ISHS Acta Horticulturae 275: International Symposium on the Culture of Subtropical and Tropical Fruits and Crops
PLANT SPACING FOR COFFEA ARABICA L. IN SOUTH AFRICA |
| Author: | B. Snijder |
| Abstract:
Due to the fact that climatic conditions in the coffee growing areas of South Africa are not optimal, yields are not very high. With high input costs, this makes coffee a marginally economical crop. A study was therefore undertaken to investigate the effect of high density planting. Planting densities of 1600 to 7200 plants/ha were tested at the Burgershall Research Station using four different cultivars. Yield varied from year to year but the average yields over six years gave valuable results. The recommended coffee density is between 4200 and 6000 plants/ha and cumulative yields of 60 t berries over six years were obtained compared with 38 t at 1600 plants/ha. However, good management of the higher densities is required to keep trees in a healthy condition. | |
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