It’s widely known that the journey to a great cup of coffee is long and requires a great deal of dedication. That’s why today’s focus is on the planting stage, it’s time to explore everything involved in establishing a new coffee crop.
The first step is choosing the right location, considering key factors such as altitude, climate, and the area’s cultivation history. At the same time, the coffee variety to be planted is selected, taking into account aspects like productivity, cup quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Once the spot and plant variety have been defined, soil preparation begins. A soil analysis is essential to identify the land’s needs, followed by soil correction and nutrient restitution. The land is then plowed, and rows and planting holes are prepared to receive the seedlings, with proper spacing measured between plants. This process may be done manually or semi-mechanized, depending on the producer’s strategy, as well as the terrain and size of the area.
In addition, to ensure the healthy development of the new crop, the producer must invest in proper fertilization and define the cultivation system, choosing between irrigated or rainfed coffee plants according to local conditions and production goals.
The period between planting and the first harvest lasts, on average, about 30 months and is marked by intensive work and close attention. During this phase, proper fertilization management, as well as pest, disease, and weed control, are essential for the crop to become productive. With these practices, it is possible to establish a healthy and productive coffee plantation that can remain viable for approximately from 20 to 30 years, until it is time to renew the planting and begin the cycle again.
