Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, and Colombia is internationally recognized for producing some of the finest coffee. To maintain the quality and flavor of this precious bean, it is essential to properly care for and nourish the coffee trees.
In this article, we'll explore 100% organic fertilizers: their importance, benefits, a variety of fertilizer types, and how to use them effectively to ensure sustainable, high-quality production.
What are 100% organic fertilizers for?
Organic fertilizers, being 100% natural, avoid the use of chemicals and synthetic products that can be harmful to the environment and human health. These fertilizers are obtained from organic materials such as manure, compost, plant remains, and crop residues. Using organic fertilizers promotes a natural nutrient cycle in the soil, as these materials gradually decompose, releasing the nutrients necessary for the growth of coffee trees.
In addition to providing essential nutrients, organic fertilizers also improve soil structure. They increase its water-holding capacity, prevent compaction and erosion, and promote greater aeration. This creates a favorable environment for root development, allowing coffee trees to absorb nutrients more efficiently. By strengthening the root system, the trees become more resistant to diseases and pests, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Organic fertilizers also contribute to long-term soil quality improvements. By promoting microbial activity in the soil, such as beneficial bacteria and fungi, the decomposition of organic matter is accelerated and nutrients are gradually released. These microorganisms also help improve soil structure by forming stable aggregates and promoting humus formation. The result is a fertile and balanced soil, capable of supporting the healthy growth of coffee trees and maintaining crop productivity over the long term.
Types of organic fertilizer and how to use them
Compost
Composting is a popular technique for recycling organic matter and creating nutrient-rich fertilizer. It consists of the controlled decomposition of food scraps, leaves, grass, and coffee grounds. By making your own compost, you can use organic waste to turn it into a valuable source of nutrients.
To use compost, apply it around the base of the coffee trees, avoiding direct contact with the trunk. Mix the compost into the soil and water lightly so that the nutrients gradually infiltrate and benefit the trees' growth.
Manure
Animal manure, such as cow or chicken manure, is a rich source of nutrients and organic matter. It is commonly used as fertilizer to provide essential nutrients to coffee trees. It is important to use well-composted manure to prevent the presence of pathogens and ensure its effectiveness as a fertilizer. Mix the manure into the soil around the coffee trees, avoiding placing it directly on the roots. In doing so, Manure will provide essential nutrients and improve soil water retention. , thus promoting healthy tree growth.
Green manure
Green manure involves planting specific crops, such as legumes, between the rows of coffee trees. These crops are grown for a season and then incorporated into the soil as organic fertilizer. In addition to enriching the soil with nutrients, green manure also helps control weeds and improves soil structure.
Legumes, in particular, have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the growth of coffee trees by providing them with a constant supply of this essential nutrient. When using green manure, it is important to cut the crops and mix them into the soil before they flower and produce seeds.
Worm humus
Worm castings are a highly nutritious organic fertilizer rich in beneficial microorganisms. They are obtained through the vermicomposting process, in which worms decompose organic matter and produce a final residue known as worm castings. This fertilizer is especially valuable because of its ability to improve soil structure and promote microbial activity.
You can purchase worm castings in vermicompost form and apply them around your coffee trees, mixing them into the soil. By doing so, You will provide an extra dose of nutrients and improve soil microbial activity, which benefits tree health and growth.
Bat guano
Bat guano is a valuable organic fertilizer due to its high nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Obtained from bat droppings, it is considered a natural and sustainable source of nutrients for coffee trees.
Bat guano is commonly used in powder or pellet form and can be applied around trees, mixed into the soil, or used as a component in composting. In doing so, You will provide the trees with the nutrients necessary for their healthy growth and development.
Eggshells
Eggshells are a rich source of calcium, an essential nutrient for the growth and development of coffee trees. You can crush the eggshells and scatter them around your coffee trees. As they decompose, they slowly release calcium and other minerals into the soil, strengthening roots and improving soil quality. In addition to providing nutrients, eggshells also help regulate soil pH, improving its balance and promoting the absorption of other nutrients by trees.
Food scraps
Organic food scraps, such as fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, and vegetable trimmings, can be used as organic fertilizer. These wastes can be composted to create a nutrient-rich fertilizer. Be sure to avoid adding processed foods, oils, or dairy products to the compost, as these can attract pests or cause imbalances in the decomposition process. Use the resulting compost around coffee trees to provide a natural source of nutrients and improve soil quality.
Wood ash
Wood ash from burning clean, untreated wood can be used as a potassium-rich organic fertilizer. However, It is important to use it in moderation, since excess ash can increase the pH of the soil. Spread it evenly around the coffee trees and mix it gently into the soil.
Wood ash not only provides nutrients, but can also help repel pests and improve soil structure.
Bone meal
Bone meal is an organic fertilizer rich in phosphorus and calcium. It is obtained from ground and processed animal bones. This fertilizer is especially beneficial for promoting the development of strong, healthy roots in coffee trees.
You can apply bone meal around trees following the recommended dosage guidelines. By doing so, You will be providing the trees with the necessary nutrients to strengthen their root system and promote their growth.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a rich source of nutrients and minerals essential for plant growth. Seaweed-based fertilizers provide a wide range of nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and zinc. In addition to their nutritional properties, seaweed also stimulates soil microbial activity and improves water retention.
You can use liquid seaweed-based fertilizers following the application instructions. By doing so, you'll be providing your coffee trees with a natural and balanced source of nutrients, promoting their growth and strengthening their resistance to disease and environmental stress.
Compost tea
Compost tea is a liquid solution obtained by soaking compost in water for a period of time. This solution contains a wide range of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms present in the compost. Compost tea can be applied to the soil around coffee trees, providing a liquid source of nutrients and stimulating microbial activity.
To make compost tea, place an appropriate amount of compost in a container of water and let it sit for a specific amount of time. Then, strain the resulting solution and apply it to the soil around your coffee trees. Compost tea helps improve soil quality and provide readily available nutrients for trees. .
Fish waste
Fish waste, such as heads, viscera, and bones, can be used as organic fertilizer. These wastes are rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus.
You can bury fish waste in the ground near coffee trees or use it to make liquid fertilizer by soaking it in water and letting it ferment for a period of time. Using fish waste as fertilizer provides essential nutrients to coffee trees and contributes to soil fertility .
Remember that each type of organic fertilizer has different characteristics and benefits, so you can combine several of them to achieve optimal nutritional balance and promote healthy coffee tree growth. It's always advisable to follow the application instructions for each type of fertilizer and adjust the amounts according to the specific needs of your trees and soil conditions.