Welcome back, coffee enthusiasts! 🌱 At La Colombia farm, we’ve seen an exciting 8% increase in coffee production, thanks to removing glyphosate and embracing sustainable practices. Let’s dive into how these changes are transforming our farm.
The Glyphosate Effect
Glyphosate, commonly used for pest and weed control, disrupts the flowering synchronization in coffee plants. By eliminating this herbicide, our plants now flourish more uniformly. Plus, soils with live cover retain more water and nutrients, creating a healthier environment for growth.
Benefits of Live Soil Cover
Did you know that live soil cover can drastically reduce erosion and landslides? 🌿 At La Colombia, these events have dropped to just 2 per year from 20! This live coverage also boosts plant nutrition, with our soil organic matter exceeding 10%, enhancing productivity.
Sustainable Practices and Pesticide Use
For controlling coffee borers, we use low-toxicity pesticides managed by the PROTECTOR software. This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact while ensuring healthy crops and high-quality coffee. 🍃
Soil Analysis and Nutrition
Our soil tests, conducted internationally, reveal that our acidic soils (pH 4 – 4.2) benefit greatly from mineral ferticorrectives, which improve pH to 5 – 5.5. This adjustment reduces aluminum toxicity and enhances nutrient absorption. Key elements like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus strengthen our plants, making them more robust and productive.
Case Study Highlights
– Production Increase: +8% without glyphosate.
– Erosion Control: Only 2 events in 3 years
– Live Soil Coverage: 85% coverage.
– Fertilizer Reduction: 18% less synthetic NPK.Optimal Soil pH: Adjusted to 5.5.
Eliminating glyphosate and adopting sustainable practices have significantly boosted coffee production at La Colombia farm. Our soil management strategies and advanced pest control technologies showcase Cafelumbus’s commitment to sustainability and quality. These methods not only enhance productivity but also ensure a positive environmental impact and healthier, more efficient production.Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards sustainable coffee farming. For a deeper dive into our regenerative agriculture practices, check out ou