I had the opportunity to meet one proactive coffee grower from El Libano municipality of Tolima state in Colombia. This state has ranked top ten quality coffees in different contests, this time my interest was different. I learned some time ago that different techniques should be applied to make a farm more sustainable, for instance using the right amount of fertilizers, rationalizing the water usage and composting the discarded coffee pulp are just few options that growers have in hand.
Mr. Jorge Diaz owner of the “La Noria” coffee state which lays in a wonderful valley located in the north side of the Tolima State, moreover this region ranks third by production volume in Colombia.
He provided me with simple information regarding his production from discarded pulp, a great way to help the environment and take back to the soil some organic nutrients. He started telling about the process designed in three different stages. The first tank, receives the discarded pulp from the post-harvest process, at this point the main goal is to reduce the moisture content. Once this by-product has spent ten days in the tank, it is ready for the second stage. During this step of the process the pulp undergoes further decomposition and moisture tends to stabilize, this stage takes between 15 to 20 days. Finally the compost is ready for the third tank where worms are added, the material should feel soft and compact before it feeds them. This process of final decomposition into humus takes between 1 to 2 months.
Red worms are dropped in the bottom of the tank in the upper side of the bamboo bed as shown in the picture. Then, a layer of compost from tank three is deposited on top of the worms. These magnificent animals start to digest compost at a rate of their own weight daily, so new food should be added every other day until the worms reach the top of the tank.
Two additional tips were provided; the bottom of the tank should have a drain mechanics to evacuate liquid humus. In addition a plastic shadow layer protection is added on the top of the tank, as shown in the picture.
This plastic cover provides a comfortable environment as well as protection from natural predators such as birds. The final product is returned to the field to naturally add basic nutrients to enrich the plants as they develop.
