Land preparation
- Prepare the land well in advance, digging out all tree stumps, roots, bushes, and grasses.
- Land cleared of trees within six months, should not be used for coffee planting because of the risk of Armillaria, a fungal disease that causes root rot.
- Ensure soil analysis is done to determine the inherent soil condition.
- Make terraces or other soil conservation structures where the land has steep slopes.
- Protect bench terraces by planting grasses e.g. Bluegrass (Paspulum notatum) on the bench faces.
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Layout and preparation of planting holes
Layout and peg the planting points along the contours at the appropriate spacing
Space holes at;
- 2.74m x 2.74m (9ft × 9ft) for SL 34, SL 28 and K7 variety
- 2m × 2m (6.6 ft x 6.6 ft) for Ruiru 11 Variety
- 2.1m x 2.5m (7ft x 8 ft) for Batian variety
Read why Ruiru 11 is better than Batiani and SL series
Dig the planting holes during the dry season, at least three months before planting or the onset of rains.
Planting holes should measure 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2ft × 2ft × 2ft)
Place topsoil (first 15cm or 6 inches) and sub-soil (15 cm-60 cm or 6”-24”) separately.
Fill the holes with the topsoil mixed with a minimum of 1 “debe” (20-litre bucket) of well-decomposed manure or well-rotten coffee pulp, 100g TSP or 200g SSP one month before planting.
If the soil pH is below 4.4, add 100g of lime to the mixture or add as per soil test results.
Slightly mound the mixture in the holes to allow for settling.
Place pegs at the centre of the holes and aligns them appropriately.
Field planting
Obtain coffee seedlings from KALRO – CRI or any licensed coffee nursery.
Select seedlings that are about 30 – 40 cm tall, with 1 – 2 pairs of primary branches and that should have undergone sufficient hardening.
Plant the seedlings at the start of the long rain season after the soil has become wet up to about 60cm (2ft) deep.
Remove the pot carefully to avoid disturbing the root system.
Open the soil mound sufficiently at the top centre to accommodate the taproot and other roots and plant the seedling without burying the stem crown.
Fill in the soil and press firmly without compacting and avoid stepping on it.
Avoid deep planting as this usually interferes with nutrient uptake leading to stunted growth.
Then water your trees if there is no rain.
Reference: KARLO-CRI
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