Coffee is one of the most important global crops and provides a livelihood to millions of people in the world. Coffee species have been described as being highly sensitive to climate and soil factor as largely affects coffee physiology. Here, physiological responses of the coffee tree in the context of present and ongoing climate, including drought, temperature, light and shade and interactions between these factors is discussed. The physiological and agronomic performance of coffee at different altitudes is explained. Evidence is shown suggesting that warming, per se, may be less harmful to coffee suitability than previously estimated, at least under the conditions of an adequate water supply. Finally, the effect of both wet and dry wind, as well as humidity, is included under this paper.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY OF COFFEE
2.1. Climatic Effect on Coffee Physiology
2.1.1. Temperature
2.1.2. Light
2.1.3. Wind
2.1.4. Humidity
2.1.5. Rainfall
2.2. Soil Factors
3. CONCLUSION
4. REFERENCES
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this review is to synthesize existing literature on the ecophysiology of coffee, specifically focusing on how environmental stressors such as climate and soil characteristics influence growth, development, and productivity. It aims to clarify physiological responses to these factors to better inform agricultural management strategies for sustainable coffee production.
- Ecophysiological impact of temperature and light on photosynthesis.
- Effects of water stress, humidity, and rainfall distribution on crop development.
- Soil quality requirements including drainage, texture, pH, and nutrient availability.
- The influence of altitude and micro-climatic variations on coffee physiology.
- Adaptive strategies of Arabica and Robusta varieties to diverse tropical environments.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1. Temperature
The most significant climatic component that significantly affects the physiology of the coffee plant is temperature (Carr, 2001). If the temperature changes are not too severe, Arabica coffee can resist them (Taye Kufa, 2006). Although it may survive temperatures much lower or higher than these limits for brief periods, the ideal average temperature is between 15 and 24 °C (Taye Kufa, 2006). Physiological processes in daytime air can be affected by temperature increases exceeding 30°C. Furthermore, ongoing exposure to temperatures as high as 30 °C causes an overall reduction in tree health and promotes leaf loss (DaMatta and Ramalho, 2006). The highest growth rates are shown from September to May, when the lowest and maximum temperatures are greater than 17 °C and less than 34 °C, respectively, for the principal C. canephora genotypes (such as Conilon and Robusta), which are typically planted at latitudes between 18° and 22° south (Partelli et al., 2013). According to Rodrigues et al. (2016), this species prefers an average temperature between 22 and 26 °C. When exposed to temperatures below those ranges, photosynthesis and growth are significantly reduced (Batista-Santos et al., 2011).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the global importance of coffee, its origin, and the general impact of environmental factors on its vegetative and reproductive cycles.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY OF COFFEE: Analyzes the specific effects of climate (temperature, light, wind, humidity, rainfall) and soil conditions on the physiological performance of coffee plants.
3. CONCLUSION: Summarizes key ecophysiological findings, emphasizing the adaptability of coffee species to various tropical environments and the importance of environmental management for successful production.
4. REFERENCES: Lists the academic sources and empirical studies cited throughout the review to support the discussed physiological concepts.
Keywords
Coffee spp., Coffee arabica, Coffea canephora, ecophysiology, environmental stress, temperature, light stress, photosynthesis, drought, rainfall, soil factors, altitude, crop quality, flowering, plant physiology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper examines the ecophysiology of coffee, focusing on how various environmental factors dictate the growth, health, and productivity of coffee plants in the tropics.
What are the central themes covered in the review?
The central themes include the impact of climatic variables (temperature, light, wind, water) and soil characteristics on the physiological processes of coffee trees.
What is the main research question or objective?
The objective is to understand how environmental constraints affect coffee ecophysiology to improve coffee production systems and mitigate the impacts of adverse climate conditions.
What scientific methodology is utilized?
The work employs a comprehensive literature review methodology, synthesizing empirical research from various studies to analyze physiological responses to environmental stressors.
What is discussed in the main body (Chapter 2)?
The main body provides detailed sections on temperature thresholds, light and shade interactions, wind impact, humidity levels, rainfall requirements, and soil factors necessary for optimal coffee cultivation.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include ecophysiology, coffee production, environmental stress, photosynthesis, drought tolerance, and agronomic performance.
How does temperature affect coffee flowering?
Temperature serves as a key signal for floral initiation; while specific molecular pathways are still under study, fluctuations in temperature significantly influence the timing and uniformity of flowering events.
Is coffee exclusively a shade-dwelling plant?
While coffee evolved in shaded forest understories, modern commercial practices often involve growing coffee in full sun, provided there is adequate water supply and appropriate management, because plants have some capacity to adapt to higher light intensities.
How does altitude influence the bean quality?
Higher altitudes often lead to larger bean sizes and increased soil organic matter content up to a certain gradient, though extreme altitudes or temperatures can negatively affect fruit load and overall yield.
- Citation du texte
- Tamene Haile Kitila (Auteur), 2023, The Environmental Physiology of Coffee. An Advanced Coffee Review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1365520
