#107Coffee plot renovation
107⸱AConcept
- Increases the coffee yield
- Rejuvenates coffee trees
- Improves the coffee plant’s tolerance to drought
- Creates conditions that are less favorable to pests and disease infestation
Coffee plot renovation, or replanting, means uprooting old, unproductive coffee trees (generally older than 20 years) and replacing them with new seedlings.
The coffee plant begins to produce fruit from the second to third year after establishment, reaching its maximum production between six and eight years of age. After that, its yield begins to decrease, although it can continue at a lower level for about 25 to 30 years, up to 40 to 50 years, depending on the region. Therefore, it is necessary to renew it through pruning or replacement.
Experts suggest that coffee farmers replace their plants after their lifespan of productivity or if there is a considerable reduction in yield per tree due to pests and diseases. Respective parts of the plot can be renovated/replanted year by year. In doing so, the workload is distributed, and there is always a good balance between productive and new trees.
Aside from tree age, severe damage from pests and diseases can make renovation necessary. Climate change is also a significant reason to replant with varieties resistant to drought or diseases or those specifically adapted to thrive and produce well under certain climatic conditions.
107⸱BTo be considered
Renovating (parts of) the coffee plot means an initial investment and a temporary decrease in overall yield. After two to five years; however, when the young trees start being productive, the yield starts to exceed the previous yields, leading to a better income. Also, renovation ensures the long-term sustainability and productivity of the plantation.
Renovating a coffee field offers the opportunity to change the system design. Intercropping, companion trees, or soil conservation practices such as mulching or cover crops can be integrated.
Also, it offers the chance to integrate new, improved coffee varieties.
To increase the yield per tree and their productivity span, it is furthermore recommended to regularly apply rehabilitation techniques, such as stumping and pruning. See Coffee Rehabilitation tool, accompanied by other Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Timing
The coffee plot should be renovated once the productivity of the trees drops. This is when they reach an age of 20 to 25 years, up to 40 to 50 years, depending on the region.
Replanting should be done at the beginning of the rainy season and must be finished in the middle of the rainy season.
In a coffee plantation, 80 % of the plants should be in production and the remaining 20 % in renovation and rehabilitation.
107⸱CImplementation
Materials
107⸱1Procedure
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In mechanized areas, the entire process of pulling out old plants, preparing the soil, digging furrows or holes, and applying fertilizer is done mechanically.
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A renovated coffee field offers a good opportunity to start intercropping, grow Companion Trees or Cover Crops or use dry Mulch. Now, it is important to protect the soil between the coffee trees as the canopy is gone, and there is enough light available for other crops to grow.
107⸱DEconomic benefits
Higher coffee yield
The effects of this tool can lead to a higher coffee yield and therefore a higher income.
Better coffee quality
The effects of this tool can lead to a better coffee quality and therefore a higher income.
Reduction of losses
This tool can prevent losses in coffee yield and quality.
Lower labor costs
This tool might cause some extra workload and material costs in the beginning. However, its advantages ultimately result in lower labor requirements and therefore lower costs.
Lower fertilizer costs
This tool allows for a lower demand for synthetic fertilizers and therefore saves input costs over time.
Lower pesticide costs
This tool reduces the demand for chemical pesticides and therefore saves input costs over time.
107⸱EGreen benefits
Less synthetic fertilizers needed
This tool reduces the need for syntheticfertilizers. This reduces carbon emissions and water pollution, improves soil life, and saves resources.
Less pesticides needed
This tool reduces the need for chemical pesticides. This reduces water pollution, protects the ecosystem, improves soil life, and saves resources.
Mitigation of deforestation
This tool reduces the need to clear new land for coffee cultivation, helping to conserve forests and their ecosystems.