Coffee Cultivation: What Does It Take for Good Production?

The Two Main Coffee Species

The article distinguishes between two main coffee plant species:

Predominantly cultivated in Latin America, producing smoother, more flavorful, and aromatic beverages.

A more resistant and affordable species with twice the caffeine content, commonly used in commercial coffees.

Successful coffee production depends on specific climate conditions:

Ideally 18-22 C (Robusta tolerates up to 24 C).

600-1500mm annually, well distributed.

600-1200m ideal for specialty coffee.

Balanced levels to prevent pests and diseases.

Flat terrain preferred for cost efficiency.

Requires correction, fertilization, and adequate spacing between seedlings for quality production and mechanical harvesting efficiency.

Uses certified seedlings; manual or mechanical methods with planting during rainy seasons.

Begins 3-4 years after flowering through three methods - manual approaches (preferred for specialty coffee), semi-mechanized, or fully mechanized.