coffee plants.

Coffee is the most traded plantation commodity. Coffee cultivation centers exist in Latin America, Central America, Asia-pacific and Africa. While the largest coffee consumers exist in European countries and North America. Naturally when this commodity is very actively traded.

Coffee is an annual crop that can reach a productive age for 20 years. To start a coffee cultivation business, choose the type of coffee plant carefully. Factors that influence the success of coffee cultivation diantranya types of plants, cultivation techniques, post-harvest handling and marketing end products.

Selection of types and varieties
Coffee plants are very many kinds, can reach thousands. However, many cultivated only four species namely arabica, robusta, liberika and excelsa. Each of these types has different properties. For more details please read about the types of coffee cultivation.

Choosing the type of plant for coffee cultivation, should be adjusted to the location or location of the land. Location of land located at an altitude of more than 800 meters above sea level suitable for arabica planted. While from a height of 400-800 meters can be planted robusta. The cultivation of lowland coffee may consider the type of liberation or excelsa.

Apart from the technical side of cultivation, the thing worth considering is the selling price of the final product. Arabica coffee tends to be priced higher than other types. But robusta has the highest productivity, the rendemennya also high.

Preparation of coffee cultivation seedlings
After deciding on suitable coffee cultivation, the next step is to find a superior seed, prepare the land and shade trees. Information about superior seeds for the cultivation of coffee can be asked to the Coffee and Cocoa Research Center or a trusted seed shop. Meanwhile, shade trees should have been prepared at least 2 years before coffee cultivation is implemented.

For Arabica coffee cultivation the source of the plant used is varieties. Examples are varieties S 795, USDA 762, Kartika-1 and Kartika-2. As for the cultivation of robusta coffee the source of the plant used is clones. For example clone BP 42 or BP 358.

Propagation of coffee tree seedlings can be obtained by generative and vegetative techniques. Generative propagation of seeds is commonly used for Arabica coffee cultivation, whereas robusta coffee more often uses vegetative propagation by cuttings. Each method of seed propagation has its own advantages and disadvantages. More details please read previous articles about seed coffee propagation by seeds and coffee seed propagation by cuttings.

Land preparation and shade trees
Cultivation of coffee can be done either in high or low, depending on the type. In general, coffee requires loose soil rich in organic matter. To add fertility give organic fertilizer and soil fertilizer around the area of the plant. Arabica will grow well on soil acidity 5-6,5 pH, while robusta at acidity level of 4.5-6,5 pH.

The thing to prepare before starting coffee cultivation is to plant a shade tree. Use shade trees to adjust the intensity of incoming sunlight. Coffee plants include plants that want the intensity of the light of the sun is not full.