Coffee plant care is very important to ensure productivity, good fruit quality, and provide maximum yield. Coffee plant care includes things like fertilization, watering, weeding, and protection against pests and diseases.
However, in this article we will specifically discuss one of the most important treatments, which is pruning the coffee branches. Because pruning can affect the productivity, quality, and health of the coffee plant.
Coffee pruning is actually a technique used to control plant growth and increase yield. Pruning is done by removing branches that are unproductive or have slow growth.
Pruning can also improve fruit quality. This is because the plant will focus on delivering nutrients and nutrients to the productive branches. In addition, pruning also serves to remove damaged leaves or diseased branches. This is to prevent the development of pests and diseases that can damage plants.
Pruning coffee plants can be done mechanically or manually. Mechanical is done using a pruning machine, while manual is done with pruning shears. Basically, it is necessary to use sharp and clean pruning tools.
The advantage of the mechanical method is the time efficiency compared to the manual method. However, this method is prone to causing cracks in the branches. Also, it costs more to purchase and maintain the equipment.
Coffee pruning is also divided into three types, namely early pruning, formative pruning and productive pruning.
Initial pruning is done when the plants are newly planted. The purpose of this pruning is to stimulate new branch growth and regulate plant height.
In formative pruning, it is done when the plant has grown and has enough branches. The purpose of this pruning is to shape the plant body and regulate the desired number of branches.
Productive pruning, on the other hand, is done when the plants are ready to be harvested. The purpose of this pruning is to increase plant productivity by leaving only productive branches.
At this stage, healthy and good branches can be left, the rest can be cut.
However, it is necessary to pay attention to how many branches are pruned as excessive pruning can cause damage and lower yields.
Here are the steps you can follow:
- Identification of productive and non-productive limbs/branches
- Select non-productive and damaged/broken branches
- Cut non-productive branches a few centimeters away from the main trunk
- Dispose of the branches away from the garden to prevent them from becoming a pest breeding ground.
After pruning, the plants should be given sufficient care to speed up recovery and ensure healthy growth. This can be done by applying fertilizers and growth hormones, and monitoring regularly.
Pruning coffee plants must also be done carefully so as not to damage the plants
Pruning should be done in accordance with the objectives to be achieved, such as pruning to improve plant shape, increase yield, or to control plant growth.
Keep in mind, too, that pruning should also be timed. It should be done when the plants are in the vegetative period, or not flowering or fruiting. When the crop is in the process of pollination, pruning can interfere with crop productivity.
By pruning properly, it is expected to significantly increase the yield of coffee plants. For this reason, it should be noted that pruning plants is a process that requires knowledge and the right steps.
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