The Growing Environment for Arabica Coffee - A Review

Abstract

Coffea arabica is indigenous to Ethiopia where it grows under forest trees at an altitude of between 1,350 to 1,800 metres, a temperature rantge of 15-24 C and an annual rainfall of about 1}900 mm. Since being cultivated commercially arabica coffee has been grown in a range of environbmental conditions in a number of countries. Studies of the optmum growing conditions generally confirm that the conditions of its indigenous environment are best. deep, friable and slightly acid (pH 5.2-6.2) soils of lateritic origin are preferred. The optimum temperature range is 15-25 C. An annual rainfall of between 1,750-2,000 mm. with a three month dry season to assist flower bud initiation but otherwise uniformly distributed, is desired. The need for shade is important as it has a marked influence on coffee quality. Surface mulching can be important in dry areas through the combined effects of conserving topsoil moisture, reducing soil temperature and improving soil fertility.