The best methods for sustainable coffee cultivation
Producing, distributing and consuming good coffee should be synonymous with sustainability, which is equivalent to caring for the planet. However, the coffee cultivation It is closely linked to certain environmental factors such as land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, to name a few. This is a problem that coffee growers must know how to manage, in order to reduce the impact.
Although at first glance, it does have a environmental impact, this does not mean that freshly ground coffee beans are not a sustainable product. Well, if we compare it with the coffee capsules In terms of quality and price, grain will always be the best option. Freshly ground coffee beans provide a more delicious cup and do not severely affect the planet with each preparation.
The issue of sustainable coffee cultivation may be difficult to follow to the letter. But there are endless measures that many coffee growers have begun to implement to reduce the environmental impact of the crops. And this is something very flattering. If you want to know what this is all about, we invite you to continue reading to learn about each of these methods.
What do we call sustainable coffee?
Basically, it is a coffee that has been grown respecting nature. That is, where coffee growers implement certain parameters to make this production more ecological. This also adds to the quality of life for everyone involved in production.
Sustainable coffee is that which is harvested respecting each of the natural resources, thus contributing to the conservation of flora and fauna. That is why most crops are grown under shade trees, of more than five different species. And thus the coffee plantations are turned into excellent oxygen and water factories.
We know that the word 'sustainability' has become very popular these days. Therefore, applying it to coffee cultivation is essential. Since in this way we can enjoy a more natural product, and at the same time future harvests are protected.
In Incapto Coffee, we do not stop raising our voice in favor of freshly ground and bean coffee, since, in this way, we are not only enjoying a quality cup free of contaminants. We would also be supporting those coffee-growing families, who work hard to make this possible.
Differences between an organic coffee and a sustainable one
They may seem the same, but in reality they are completely different, even though they have the same purpose: caring for the planet and our health. For example, for a coffee to be ecological, it must be accredited and certified by the competent organizations, in each of the productive processes and development of nature. In short, you have not applied any pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
An organic coffee owes its flavor solely to the soil and climate where it was grown, which is quite positive for the environment and fauna.
In the case of sustainable harvesting, it is based on two elements: respect for nature and economy. Another of its great advantages is that, seeks the well-being of the consumer, in turn, allows the coffee grower and the seller to make a living from it, since, in this way, they keep their communities afloat.
What elements make a 100% sustainable crop?
As we pointed out a few paragraphs above, there are a series of parameters that will allow both the coffee cultivation, like its environment and that many coffee growers have already begun to implement. For Antônio Michelotto, agronomist and director of the technical, agronomic and certification departments, Ipanema Coffees, details that since it is a long-lasting harvest, where the plant is used several times, the coffee would automatically have a low environmental impact.
The coffee plant is an excellent element to conserve wildlife. By not having much ground movement, the coffee farmer can create an incredible protective layer on the soil, which equals less interference with it.
So, below we will detail what are these effective methods with which you can achieve a sustainable harvest.
Agroforestry
Generally, in crop fields where there are shade trees and adjacent to forest areas, they conserve an important population of wildlife (birds, monkeys, among others). Being a positive factor for coffee plants.
Experts point out that agroforestry is related to spiders, a potential predator of a moth called Leucoptera coffeella, very common in Latin America. It is even said that there is a correlation between pest outbreaks and the removal of shade trees. The defoliation caused by these shoots considerably affects the crop, since its yield and quality decrease. This occurs because the plant could not photosynthesize and transform sunlight into energy.
In summary, agroforestry is the ideal option to protect coffee plantations from pests.
The water
One of the most complicated to control and quite expensive environmental problems that a farm can face is water pollution.
Now, mechanical washers are responsible for removing twigs, leaves and other foreign bodies, in addition to using water. As if that were not enough, they cause a huge amount of organic materials and affect wastewater. Increasing the potassium and other nutrient levels.
The water used to pulp the coffee (remove the grain from the seed) also ends up becoming contaminated. Runoff and poor management of the vital liquid could cause these high levels of nutrients, especially potassium. When this happens, it can pose a risk to coffee-growing communities and marine life.
Avoiding this requires knowing perfectly the chemical composition of the water used in coffee cultivation. Water from the farm can be used, as long as it is treated to eliminate organic components. Specialists recommend installing closed filtration systems and do a chemical analysis after treatment to clearly know if the water is suitable.
Pests and diseases
It is normal that during coffee cultivation, some pests and diseases appear. But the real challenge is to have adequate management of the situation, avoiding excessive use of fertilizers, something that would help keep the water in good condition and without damaging the microorganisms that are in the soil.
While it is true that fertilizers keep coffee trees free of pests and diseases, limiting their use can be one of the most difficult decisions when seeking to offer sustainable coffee.
There are those who resort to other methods, such as applying various techniques to keep the presence of pests and diseases at very low levels, without getting rid of them 100%. For this they use synthetic pesticides, responsibly. However, this will always go hand in hand with prevention methods, as well as natural pesticides, monitoring, among others.
If all of this is met, coffee growers would achieve a low environmental impact during the harvest.
Proper management of the Erosive process
For those who don't know, erosion It is when there is wear and denudation of soils and rocks, it is the sliding of the upper layer of the earth. Therefore, soil that is more exposed to the sun and rain is vulnerable to going through this process. If a lack of extensive root systems is evident, this could be even more detrimental, something that frequently happens when new plots are planted, since the plant has not fully developed.
What do you get from eroded soil? Actually practically nothing can be done, because it is less fertile because lacks potassium, nitrogen, and other components. At the same time, it becomes a big expense for coffee growers, since they have to buy a lot of fertilizers. Unfortunately, this type of soil is equivalent to water removing the fertilizer and transferring it to local waterways.
Once again, agroforestry comes into play and could help erosion. Although this is not a miracle solution, it could be helpful.
wildlife
As we have already been pointing out, conserving wildlife can make coffee cultivation more sustainable. If a diversified ecosystem is achieved, it would be a positive point for the growth of the coffee tree, because they would be healthier. In fact, the presence of bees is a wonderful factor for the quality of the crop and biodiversity, since they are considered as good air and environmental indicators.
For example, the Arabica variety is self-pollinating, which means that it does not need bees to bear fruit. Likewise, studies have confirmed that the presence of bees in coffee plantations is good news since they are capable of increasing harvests. An approximate 20-25%.
Implementing honey production areas near coffee crops is a great idea. It can even be extra income for smaller coffee farms, because they can sell the honey.
Apply more sustainable methods
Not all agricultural practices are completely sustainable, since chemical pesticides, wastewater, car batteries, among other elements, are evident, which could cause great damage to the planet.
Fortunately, there are other methods that could be safely applied without harming the environment, such as:
-Recycling,
-Sustainable energy sources
-Properly dispose of waste
-Ignore disposable plastics
Thanks to these elements, you can have a more sustainable farm and quality in your coffees.
Something that we must never forget is that, as consumers, we will also be contributing to the sustainability of coffee by leaning towards freshly ground beans, leaving aside products as polluting as coffee capsules. Nobody said that a coffee crop couldn't be 100% sustainable, as you will see there are various methods that could be applied, as well as taking care of certain details such as soil and water care, which at the end of the day will be very favorable.
Source
Quality coffee and environmental sustainability: How to achieve them?
