Coffee irrigation is a promising technique that may provide both yield increase and expansion of coffee plantations in areas considered unsuitable due to the occurrence of water shortage.
Robusta requires well timed systematic irrigation during the annual production cycle. In countries like India, Kenya, Ethiopia and Vietnam, coffee production thus depends upon irrigation for at least 4-6 months of the year.
The irrigation requirement of coffee is very high; around 101 m3 water per acre per season. The stages of Coffee when Irrigation is critical are:
- Period of Flowering
- Period of Berry expansion
- Bean filling stage
The need for irrigation, and its role in controlling the timing of flowering, varies depending on the rainfall distribution, the severity of the dry season, and soil type and depth. The first irrigation is applied when flower buds are fully developed, having a white color and look like sparrow beaks.
In setting up water delivery systems, the following must be considered:
• A reliable water source,
• Pumping systems and filtering system,
• Main distribution network,
• Control heads, valves, automation and emitters (micro-sprinklers or drippers).
Benefits from Irrigation
- Enhances vegetative growth and increases the flower bunch points on the stem (Nodes)
- Increase bean yield
- Improves the soil ecology by enhancing microbial population
- Improves the arte of decomposition of soil organic material and thus maintains soil CN ratio
- Makes the soil micro climate ideal for coffee growth
- Improves nutrient up take by plants.
- In heavily water stressed situation helps the crop to survive and yield.
The most important part of the coffee root system extends to 60 cm depth in the soil; excessive irrigation water will percolate below the root system and can hence not be absorbed by the trees.
Irrigation for coffee production
