Nutritional Requirement and Management of Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) in Ethiopia: National and Global Perspectives

Abstract

The bulk of coffee soils in southwestern and southern regions of Ethiopia are classified as Nitto sols, which are highly weathered and originate from volcanic rock. These soils are deep and well drained having a pH of 5-6, and have medium to high contents of most of the essential elements except nitrogen and phosphorus. Also, most of the coffee plantations are often managed with shade trees in small scale, with minimal fertilization; litter fall and decomposition play an important role in nitrogen cycling and maintenance of soil fertility. The amount of plant nutrient required by coffee trees may vary depending on several factors. the amount and distribution of rainfall, the species and amount of other plants grown in association with the coffee trees, seasonal variation, topography, soil type and the prevailing cultural practices. Proper coffee nutrition requires special attention of the grower because it affects bean size (grade), bean quality and the overall productivity of the crop that determines marketability. Nutrients are applied to replenish those that are lost through tissue formation, yields, leaching and those that form compounds where they cannot be easily extracted by roots. This calls for application of mineral fertilizers and/or organic manures so as to apply the necessary nutrients in the required amounts. As a result it was possible to come out with a set of recommendations that are of immense value to the growers. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to review the achievements and constraints of mineral fertilization and the potential to use of organic/bio-fertilizers for the present and future coffee production in Ethiopia.