FIELD PERFORMANCE OF ROBUSTA COFFEE (Coffea canephora) ON

DIFFERENT TREATMENTS OF FERTILIZER

JERRY CHRIS SIMELA ADONIS

UNDERGRADUATE THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE

FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE, COLLEGE
OF AGRICULTURE, CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY, IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

Crop Science: Horticulture

MAY 2023
 Republic of the Philippines
CENTRAL MINDANAO UNIVERSITY
Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon

College of Agriculture
Department of Horticulture

APPROVAL SHEET

The undergraduate thesis proposal attached hereto entitled, “FIELD

PERFORMANCE OF COFFE ROBUSTA (Coffea canephora)ON DIFFERENT
TREATMENTS OF FERTILIZER ”, prepared and submitted by JERRY CHRIS
SIMELA ADONIS, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Bachelor of
Science in Agriculture (Crop Science: Horticulture), is hereby endorsed.

ANDREW B. MELENCION, MS ______________

Chair, Thesis Advisory Committee Date

MELCHOR L. CUIZON, PhD ______________

Member, Thesis Advisory Committee Date

ROMIL J. TAN, PhD ______________

Member, Thesis Advisory Committee Date

Recommending Approval:

R0MIL J. TAN, PhD ______________

Department Chair Date

TEDDY E. COLIPANO, PhD ______________

Research Coordinator Date

Approved:

MARIA ESTELA B. DETALLA, PhD ______________

College Dean Date

Noted:

JUPITER V. CASAS, PhD ______________

Director for Research Date
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
INTRODUCTION

Objectives of the Study 2

Time and Place of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Description of Coffee
Morphology of Coffea canephora
Economic Importance of Coffee
Environmental Requirements of Coffee
Fertilizer Requirements of Coffee

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials
Experimental Design and Treatments
Data to Be Gathered
Statistical Analysis

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

LITERATURE CITED

APPENDICES

III
 LIST OF TABLE

Treatment and treatment description PAGE

IV
 LIST OF APPENDIX TABLE

PAGE
Outline of ANOVA table for statistical analysis of data

V
 LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURE

Proposed layout of the experiment in Randomized Complete Design PAGE

(RCBD)

VI
 1

INTRODUCTION

Coffee, renowned for its distinctive flavor and aroma, is one of the most
popular beverages consumed worldwide. It not only satisfies taste
preferences but also offers nutritional benefits and has been linked to
emotional well-being (Poole et al., 2017; Uman et al., 2016). Coffee plants
belong to the evergreen dicotyledonous species within the Rubiaceae family,
characterized by their woody perennial nature (Davis et al., 2006).

The two primary coffee species, Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora,
account for 65% and 35% of global coffee production, respectively, serving as
the sources for numerous coffee varieties (International Coffee Organization,
2016). Robusta coffee production is influenced by rainfall, temperature, and
phenological stages, with evidence suggesting its higher tolerance to rising
temperatures compared to arabica coffee (Jayakumar et al., 2017; Kath et al.,
2020). However, predicting the impact of future rainfall pattern changes on
coffee production remains challenging due to uncertainties in consolidated
models, which vary across different projections.

Coffee is cultivated in approximately 80 tropical and subtropical

countries, occupying over 11 million hectares of land worldwide (FAOSTAT,
2018). The majority of coffee farms, estimated to be around 12.5 million, are
managed by smallholder farmers who own less than 2 hectares (Enveritas,
2019). Optimal growing conditions for Arabica coffee include temperatures
ranging from 14 to 26 °C, an annual rainfall of 1,000 to 2,700 mm, and dry
periods lasting 1 to 3 months per year.

Ideally, coffee thrives at elevations between 400 and 1,200 meters

above sea level in tropical regions spanning 9 to 27 degrees south latitude, or
at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,100 meters above sea level near the equator
(Illy et al., 2005; Ovalle-Rivera et al., 2015).
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This study will be undertaken to observe field performance of robusta

coffee as affected by different inorganic fertilizer.

Objectives of the Study

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the different inorganic

fertilizers on the field performance of Robusta coffee .Specifically, the study
aims to:
1. Compare the field performance of Coffee Robusta as affected by the
different inorganic fertilizers;
2. Determine the appropriate inorganic fertilizers that could be adopted to
enhance field performance of Robusta coffee.

Time and Place of the Study

This study will be conducted inside the campus where the Robusta
coffee are already planted beside the New Mahogany, University Town,
Musuan,Maramag,Bukidnon Philippines, from September to December
2023.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study will focus on the field performance of Robusta coffee as

influence on different inorganic fertilizers.
 3

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Description of Coffee

Coffee, belonging to the Coffea genus in the Rubiaceae family,

encompasses several species such as Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora,
which are specifically cultivated for their beans, utilized in the production of
the invigorating beverage. These coffee plants typically manifest as small
evergreen trees or shrubs with multiple stems and smooth, deep green leaves
of an oval shape. They bear cream-white clusters of flowers and produce
fruits called berries, usually containing two seeds. Initially green, the berries
undergo a color transformation, transitioning from ruby red when ripe to black
upon drying. C. canephora can reach heights of up to 15 meters (49 feet),
whereas C. arabica grows to a more modest height of 4-5 meters (13-16 feet).
The lifespan of these trees ranges from 20 to 30 years.

Coffee, originating from Africa, is commonly known as robusta coffee

(C. canephora) or Arabian coffee (C. arabica) (Bittenbender, 2008). The
practice of cultivating coffee in full sun has detrimental effects on the
ecosystem, yielding higher profits but compromising the quality of the coffee
produced. This approach leads to the removal of natural barriers against
pests, reduces habitats for birds, and necessitates more frequent use of
chemical pesticides to control diseases and pests. Moreover, the monoculture
nature of sun-grown coffee, lacking diversity with other trees, renders it more
susceptible to pests and diseases due to the stress imposed on the plants by
growing in full sun (Chudnovsky, 2017).

Morphology of Coffee canephora

Robusta, scientifically known as Coffea canephora, is a notable plant

within the Rubiaceae family. Previously referred to as Coffea Robusta, it
comprises two major cultivars: C.c.c. Robusta and C.c. (Dagoon, 2005). This
 4

resilient plant typically grows as a sturdy tree or shrub, reaching a height of

around 10 meters. Its flowering pattern is irregular, and it takes approximately
10 to 11 months for the fruits to mature into oblong beans. Robusta coffee
accounts for 30-40% of the global coffee market and is primarily cultivated in
Central and Western Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. It is commonly used
for blending purposes and in the production of instant coffee.

Robusta coffee cultivars thrive at lower elevations and exhibit optimal

growth at temperatures ranging from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. They possess
higher resistance to diseases and parasites compared to Arabica coffee and
contain 50-60% more caffeine. Additionally, Robusta cultivars have an
outcrossing breeding system. In Africa, Robusta coffee cultivation faces
challenges due to coffee wilt disease caused by Gibberella xylarioides. With
changing rainfall patterns and temperatures in key coffee-producing regions,
climate variability and change pose a significant threat to the future
sustainability of coffee production (Kath et al., 2020). While some research
has focused on maintaining and increasing Robusta coffee yields under
varying climatic conditions by managing biodiversity and optimizing inputs
(Byrareddy et al., 2019), limited information is available regarding the climatic
factors influencing the characteristics of Robusta coffee beans.

Economic Importance of Coffee

Coffee, a highly valued agricultural commodity, holds a significant

position in the global economy. The Coffea genus encompasses over 100
species, with Coffea arabica (arabica) and Coffea canephora (robusta) being
the most widely cultivated and utilized for commercial purposes (Dias, 2015).
Renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma, coffee is cherished worldwide and
has become an integral part of daily life. Moreover, research suggests that
coffee consumption is associated with mental well-being and offers preventive
and nutritional benefits (Poole et al., 2017; Uman et al., 2016)
 5

In terms of global trade, coffee holds substantial economic significance,

playing a crucial role in the food sector. This importance has led to the
establishment of dedicated quality control measures to ensure the
consistency and safety of coffee products (Dias et al., 2018). Continuous
analysis and monitoring of coffee are essential to guarantee its quality and
adherence to safety standards (Monteiro et al., 2018). The complex nature of
coffee and its diverse origins necessitate meticulous evaluation and
assessment to maintain the desired quality attributes throughout the
production and supply chain.

Environmental Requirements of Coffee

Typically, coffee crops thrive in elevated topographic regions

characterized by moderate temperatures and reduced light intensity. These
crops are commonly cultivated at higher altitudes, where cooler temperatures
prevail, and shade is essential for optimal growth. Research suggests that
coffee trees, including Robusta coffee, exhibit their best performance when
cultivated at altitudes ranging from 500 to 750 meters above sea level
(Prakoswo, 2018). This specific altitude range provides the ideal
environmental conditions for robust growth and development of coffee trees,
ensuring the production of high-quality coffee beans.

Fertilizer Requirements of Coffee

The study conducted by Souza et al. (2023) evaluated the effects of

different doses of ammonium nitrate (i.e., 0, 150, 275, 400, and 525 kg/ha) on
nutrient use efficiency in sustainable coffee production systems. Their results
showed that the application of 150 kg of ammonium nitrate resulted in the
highest nitrogen losses over the course of the two-year experiment.
 6

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials and Equipment

complete fertilizer (14-14-14), and urea (46-0-0) will be used for nutrient
management for field performance of different application rates of robusta
coffee.

Experimental Design and Treatments

The study will be carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design

(RCBD) with four treatments and four replications. The two different inorganic
fertilizer will be the treatments: complete fertilizer (14-14-14), and urea (46-0-
0) will be used for nutrient management for field performance of different
application rates of robusta coffee. The treatment codes and descriptions are
presented in Table 1. An experimental unit will consist of a plant distance with
a dimension of 2.0 m wide and 20 m long. Experimental units will be
separated with 1.0 m of walk path at the sides and ends. Data will be taken
from five data plants selected from the in-row plants of the inner two rows.
 7

Table 1. List of treatments and treatment combinations

Treatments Code Amount Fertilizer Apply (kg)
T1 Control
T2 100
T3 135
T4 150

Production Practices

Nutrient Management

Nutrient management suggested in Maghirang et al. (2009) will be followed..

At planting, 10 g of 14-14-14 complete fertilizer will be applied per plant. Side-
dressing of 10 g urea (46-0-0) per plant will be done 1 week to 4 days after
applying fertilizer to robusta coffee.

Data to Be Gathered

Plant Height

The height of the coffee Robusta plants will be measured at five-day

intervals. The measurement will be taken from the ground level of the stem up
to the tip of the leaves.

Girt Size

The girth size of coffee Robusta plants will be measured using a

Vernier caliper, starting from the ground level of the stem. Data collection will
occur at five-day intervals.
 8

Color Rating

The color of the leaves will be evaluated on a weekly basis until

termination, with ratings ranging from yellow, green, to dark green.

Statistical Analysis

The relevant data will be analyzed following the Analysis of Variance

(ANOVA) in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). This procedure will
be performed using the Statistical Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR)
software developed by the Biometrics and Bioinformatics Division of the
International Rice Research Institute. The means will be separated with the
used of Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). Level of significance will be
5%.
 9

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Results will be presented in tables and figures. Discussions will be

based on the results of statistical analysis.
 10

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary, conclusions, and recommendations will be based on the

results and discussion.
 11

LITERATURE CITED

Taylor Lima de Souza, Damiany Pádua de Oliveira, César Ferreira Santos,

Thiago Henrique Pereira Reis, João Pedro Campos Cabral, Éricles Renan
da Silva Resende, Tales Jesus Fernandes, Thaís Regina de Souza, Victor
Ramirez Builes, Douglas Guelfi, Nitrogen fertilizer technologies:
Opportunities to improve nutrient use efficiency towards sustainable
coffee production systems, Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment,
Volume 345, 2023,108317, ISSN
0167-8809,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2022.108317.

Jayakumar, M., Rajavel, M., Surendran, U., Gopinath, G., Ramamoorthy, K.

(2017). Impact of climate variability on coffee yield in Indiawith a micro-
level case study using long-term coffee yield data of humid tropical
Kerala. Clim Chang 145:335-349.

Kath, J. Byrareddy, V.M., Craparo, A, Nguyen-Huy, T., Mushtag, S,Cao L,

Bossolasco, L. (2020). Not so robust: robusta coffee production is highly
sensitive to temperature. Glob Chang Biol 26:3677-3688.
Lunz, A.M.P., Bernardes, M.S., Righi, C.A., Costa, J.D., Favarin, J.L, & Cortez.

JG (2005). Quality of arabica coffee in the agroforestry system of rubber

(Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) and in monoculture. IV Coffee Research
Symposium of Brasil 4. Londrina, Embrapa Café.

Monteiro, P., I., Santos, J. S., Brizola, V. R. A., Deolindo, C., T. P., Koot, Alex,
Boerrigter-Eenling, Rita, Ruth, Saskia V., Georgouli, Konstantia, Koidis,
Anastasios, &Daniel Granato. (2018). "Comparison between proton
transfer reaction mass spectrometry and near infrared spectroscopy for
the authentication of Brazilian coffee: A preliminary chemometric study."
Food Control 91:276-83.

Ovalle-Rivera, O., Läderach, P., Bunn, C., Obersteiner, M., & Schroth, G.
(2015). Projected shifts in Coffea arabica suitabiity among major giobai
producing regions due to climate change. PLoS ONE 10:e0124155

Piato, K., Lefort, F., Subía, C. (2020). Effects of shade trees on robusta coffee
growth, yield and quality. A meta-analysis. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 40, 38.
Prakoswo,D., Ariffin & Tyasmoro S. Y. (2018). The analyze of agroclimate in
forest area malang district, east java, indonesia Biosci. Res. 2 918-23.
 12

APPENDICES
 13

Appendix Table 1. Outline of the ANOVA table for statistical analysis of

data
SV Df SS MS Fc F prob
Block 3
Treatment 3
Error 9
Total 15
 14

Block I Block II Block III Block IV

T3 T1 T4 T2

T1 T3 T3 T1

T4 T2 T1 T4

T2 T4 T2 T3

Appendix Figure 1. Proposed field layout of the experiment in Randomized

Complete Block Design