Optimal solution for using water in Arabica coffee production

– PROTECT THE ORIGIN –

Arabica coffee grows best in biodiversity forests, where there are natural water sources from groundwater, rivers, streams,… But not all areas have such conditions, or Not every producer can grow coffee in the shade. However, the current situation of water scarcity causes the coffee industry to experience a serious water crisis. To solve this situation, water optimization is an urgent requirement. So how to do that? Let’s explore with 43 Factory Coffee!

Water consumption in Arabica coffee production is at an alarming rate

According to a study conducted by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (the world’s largest international graduate water education institution), it takes about 140 liters of water to make a 125 ml cup of coffee. Moreover, depending on the climate, and farming methods, the Arabica production process will consume different amounts of water. As in tropical Central and South America, Arabica coffee farms often rely on rainfall for irrigation due to mild weather and high average annual purchases. Some parts of Africa do not have heavy rains, or frequent droughts, so farmers cannot save but also have to consume large amounts of water from all nearby sources.

However, water is not an infinite resource. They can be depleted at any time due to unpredictable developments of climate change, pollution and high frequency of daily use. Besides, the increasing global demand for coffee leads to higher water consumption. Many farms are having to withdraw water from all neighboring basins due to prolonged hot weather. This could exacerbate the scarcity of already dwindling water basins.

Methods of optimizing water use in Arabica coffee production

Optimizing the amount of water requires the cooperation and contribution of many stakeholders in the supply chain. Here are some methods that can save water consumption in the production process:

Strictly control water consumption by the drip pipe system

Drip irrigation systems only water the base of the plant. The amount of water through the pipeline is strictly controlled and only flows underground. This both prevents evaporation and provides enough water for the coffee to avoid waste.

According to Juliana Armelin – Farmer Fazenda Terra Alta in the Cerrado region of Brazil, drip irrigation is really useful in saving water, fertilizer and protecting the environment. Previously, this farm was a place to raise livestock, leaving the land barren and natural water sources polluted. The farmers of the farm have worked hard to protect the streams and riverside areas in the area of the farm and find ways to limit the amount of water consumed in coffee production. The drip irrigation system allows them to control the amount of water used economically and increase the efficiency of the coffee care many times over.

In addition to determining the exact time to water coffee, Fazenda Terra Alta also invested in building a meteorological station that provides data on precipitation and water evaporation and uses a hydric balance reader to measure soil moisture. After taking measurements and collecting data, on-farm specialists will analyze and create schedules to ensure that water is at the optimum level.

Combination of shaft irrigation system and technology

An axial irrigation system consists of sprinkler devices that rotate around a central axis. Water will be evenly distributed to areas through nozzles and centrifugal force to help save water in the best way. Marcelo Flanzer – Director at Ecoagrícola in Serra do Cabral said using a shaft irrigation system combined with applied technology helps to bring water into the trench more accurately. The axis irrigation system with integrated precision agriculture and GPS system will ensure that each plant on the farm receives enough water and nutrients. This helps farmers control the condition of the farm remotely, making fertilizing more convenient and easier.

In addition, smart irrigation technology also helps to increase the yield and quality of coffee beans. If farmers could track climate indicators such as rainfall, solar radiation, temperature and evapotranspiration rate, they would know the irrigation periods and how much water they need each day. As a result of the hydric pressure technology and automatic measuring station, Ecoagrícola did not need to water the coffee plants for about 90 days before harvest, from May to September. This saved a considerable amount of water. and help their coffee plants flower and ripen simultaneously, producing better coffee beans.

However, these methods are only limited methods, saving water consumption. To deal with these situations, coffee producers and farmers need to have an effective and proactive water management plan that ensures the water and the farm are protected from negative environmental influences. and prepare for the worst that can happen in the future.

In addition, consumers can use sustainable coffees, grown in eco-friendly methods to protect water resources. If you want to experience it, go to XLIII Coffee – a brand developed from the forerunner 43 Factory Coffee Roaster specializing in providing high-quality specialty coffees from sustainable growing regions around the world!

Source: perfectdailygrind

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