Coffee cultivation with coconut (Coffea arabica) 

Initially, coffee was introduced to Sri Lanka in the early part of the 15th century by Muslim pilgrims who arrived via Yemen and India. They first introduced the variety known as “Arabica coffee.” In the past, Sri Lanka exported approximately 50,000 Metric tons of coffee annually. However, in 1870, coffee plantations were devastated due to a severe disease known as “coffee rust”. Recently, coffee cultivation has been restored through rubber and tea plantations. Therefore, approximately 600 MT of coffee are now imported annually.

Did you know?

• Coffee trees can grow taller than 30 feet (9 meters). 
• It takes about a year for the fruits to mature after the first flowering. 
• The lifespan of a coffee tree is about 100 years, but it produces the best yield between the ages of 7 and 20. 
• Approximately 600 tons of coffee are imported annually. 

In 2010, 337,300 acres were cultivated, 

In 2015, 500,000 acres, 

In 2020, 800,000 acres, 

In 2022, 928,000 acres, generating income from coffee exports for Sri Lanka. 

• Coffee is primarily exported to Australia and other countries such as the Maldives, Finland, and the United Arab Emirates.
  
  

Coffee Varieties 

Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica) 

– Arabica coffee has Ethiopian origins. It is suitable for cultivation in cool climates with an elevation of over 800 meters. The coffee plant is small, making it easier to manage. 

– From 5 kilograms of raw coffee, approximately 1 kilogram of processed coffee can be produced. 

– Arabica is a self-pollinating plant, so it can be propagated by seeds. 

– Due to its high-quality flavor and aroma, Arabica coffee commands a higher price in the market. 

– HTD, S09, Catimor, Lak Perakum, Lak Saviru, and Lak Komali are coffee varieties that yield high returns. Some varieties are resistant to coffee rust disease. 

– Catimor is recommended for intercropping with coconut due to its ability to provide shade.

Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) 

– This coffee variety originates from Africa. It can be cultivated in humid and intermediate zones up to an elevation of 800 meters. 

– From 4.5 to 5 kilograms of raw coffee, approximately 1 kilogram of processed coffee can be produced. 

– Newly introduced varieties include IMY, S274, GCR, CCI, Lanka Chandra, Lanka Bimsara, and Lanka Isuru. 

– GCR and CCI are recommended for intercropping with Coconut due to their ability to provide shade.

Liberica Coffee (Coffea liberica)

Coffee trees grow large and are not cultivated commercially. This coffee has a bitter taste. However, there is a demand in Malaysia and some Middle Eastern countries.

Before Cultivation

• The age of coconut plantations 

Coconut plantations aged between 15 and 50 years are most suitable for coffee cultivation.

• Soil Requirements 

Soil pH values between 5 and 6.5 are more favorable. If the soil is highly acidic, the application of dolomite is recommended. Well-drained latosolic soil is suitable for Arabica coffee, while Robusta coffee can be cultivated in various soil types. Additionally, having a minimum of 1-1.5 meters of soil depth is more suitable.

• Main Cultivation Areas 

Arabica coffee is favorable in humid and intermediate zones with an elevation of over 800 meters. The main districts for cultivation are Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, and Badulla. Robusta coffee is well-suited for areas with elevations below 800 meters. Robusta is primarily cultivated in the districts of Kegalle, Kurunegala, Kandy, and Matale. When combined, the total area cultivated for coffee is approximately 60,580 hectares.

• Temperature and Rainfall 

The average annual rainfall for Arabica is between 1500-2750mm, while Robusta requires 1750mm or more. Additionally, the suitable average temperatures are between 18-24°C for Arabica and 27-29°C for Robusta. Continuous strong winds are not suitable for coffee. If coffee is cultivated in windy areas, windbreaks should be used for protection.

Preparing the Planting Material 

– Propagation can be done by Seeds and Grafting, but seed propagation is easier and more profitable. 

– If propagation is done by seeds, seeds should be selected from healthy mother plants free from pests and diseases. 

– The outer pulp should be carefully removed, and the pulp surrounding the seeds should be removed by washing with water. 

– Seeds are planted in moist sandy soils, with a spacing of 0.5 centimeters between seeds and 2.5 centimeters between rows. 

– Then, the seeds are covered with a 5-centimeter-thick layer of soil. Germination takes about 45 days. 

– When the seedlings reach the button stage, they are placed in polyethylene bags measuring 12.5cm x 20cm filled with equal parts of sand, soil, and compost.

Additionally, seedlings can be purchased from nurseries recommended by the Department of Export Agriculture.

Coffee Planting with Coconut and Planting Systems 

* To avoid competition, coffee should be planted at least 2.5 meters away from coconut trees. 

* Furthermore, coffee rows should be oriented east-west. 

* To allow for movement in between, it is advisable to have a pathway without coffee every five or six rows of coconut. 

* A double row planting system is recommended for planting.

Double Row Planting System 

• Two rows of coffee are planted between two rows of coconut. 
• Coffee rows should be oriented east-west. 
• The minimum distance from the coconut tree to the coffee plant should be 2.5 meters. 
• Coffee plants should be spaced 2 meters apart in a triangular pattern. 
• Planting should be done at the onset of the monsoon season. Avoid planting during the dry season, as the risk of damage to the seedlings is significantly higher.

The size of the holes for planting should be 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 meters for heavy soil and 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.3 meters for loose soil. Before planting, it is advisable to mix 60 grams of fertilizer containing organic matter with the soil. The holes should be filled to a depth of 5 centimeters from the soil surface. After planting, the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight and covered with grass or coconut leaves.

Fertilizer Application 

In addition to the nutrients present in the soil, it is important to apply fertilizers to coffee. The following fertilizer mixture is recommended for coffee: 

	Ratio	Nutrient
Urea (46% N)	4	14% N
Rock Phosphate (28% P2O5)	5	11% P2O5
Muriate of Potash (60% K2O)	3	14% K2O
Kieserite (24 % MgO	1	2% MgO

Fertilizer Amounts  

Season	1st Year	2nd Year	3rd Year
Yala	80 (grams)	125 (grams)	200 (grams)
Maha	80 (grams)	125 (grams)	200 (grams)

The rate and timing of fertilizer application should be determined based on the expected soil moisture and rainfall. Since coffee plants respond well to fertilizers, it is recommended to apply them as evenly as possible. In the first year, fertilizers should be applied in a circular area 5 centimeters from the base and 15 centimeters from the base in the second year.

After applying fertilizers, the planted area should be mulched. If the leaves turn yellow even with sufficient shade, it may be due to nitrogen deficiency. To correct this, it is recommended to apply 1% urea solution to the coffee leaves. If the leaves become small and curled due to zinc deficiency, it is advisable to apply a 0.5% zinc sulfate solution to the affected plants.

Pests and Diseases 

Diseases 

01. Coffee Rust 

Coffee rust is a severe disease that has affected coffee in the past. However, resistant varieties have been introduced in the present. It is recommended to apply a 5% Bordeaux mixture for coffee rust. Arabica coffee is particularly susceptible to this disease.

02. Black Leaf Spot Disease 

The growth of black spots on the leaves reduces photosynthesis. Leaf drop may occur. It is recommended to apply 1% Cupper (Cu) based fungicide.

03. Anthracnose 

Dark spots appear on the fruits and leaves. The tree may gradually die. It is recommended to apply 1% Bordeaux mixture. Reducing shade is also advisable.

Pests 

Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei) 

The female borer creates a hole in the coffee berry and lays eggs inside. The larvae that hatch from the eggs damage the berry’s interior. Even after harvesting, these borers can damage stored berries. To control coffee berry borer, it is essential to maintain shade between 40% and 60%, plant uniform varieties (IMY and Catimor), maintain the recommended spacing during planting, limit the main harvest to three times, remove all leftover berries from the side plants, and either bury or burn the fallen berries. Measures should be taken to preserve the natural enemies of coffee berry borers in the environment.

Stem Borer (Xyleborus morstatti) 

This small black borer enters the stem and creates tunnels, feeding on the inner bark. Small holes can be seen on the affected stems, and the damage caused by these pests can lead to wilting and breaking of the stems. For control, infested stems should be cut and destroyed, and preventive measures should be followed in the field.

Harvesting and Processing 

• After two years of planting, coffee flowers will bloom, and by the third year, a significant harvest can be expected. 
• Harvesting can be done several times during the periods of May-June and December-January. 
• After harvesting, the berries can be dried and the pulp removed. 
• From one plot, approximately 700 grams of processed coffee can be obtained annually.

Methods of Processing Harvested Coffee 

1. Dry Method: 

• Remove damaged berries and dry them in the sun. 
• After drying the outer pulp, it is removed. 
• This coffee is referred to as cherry coffee.

2. Wet Method: 

• Within 10 hours of harvesting, the outer layer is removed using a pulper machine. 
• The beans are then covered for 24 to 48 hours for fermentation. 
• Finally, they are dried in the sun. 
• This coffee is referred to as parchment coffee.