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Nutrient uptake and deficiencies

This topic explains how coffee plants absorb nutrients from the soil, the role of each essential nutrient, and how deficiencies manifest in visible symptoms and reduced productivity.

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  • Coffee Basics Nerds
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Article 8 of 12 in Coffee Botany & Plant Biology/
Nutrient uptake and deficiencies

Nutrient Uptake Basics

  • Root system: Coffee absorbs nutrients mainly through fine feeder roots in the topsoil.
  • Transport: Nutrients move into the plant via root hairs, then through xylem and phloem.
  • Soil environment: pH, organic matter, and moisture strongly affect nutrient availability.
  • Fertilization: Balanced nutrient management is essential for sustainable yields and high cup quality.

Macronutrients

1. Nitrogen (N)

  • Role: Leaf growth, chlorophyll production, overall vigor.
  • Deficiency symptoms: General yellowing (chlorosis), especially in older leaves, reduced leaf size, poor yield.

2. Phosphorus (P)

  • Role: Root development, flowering, energy transfer (ATP).
  • Deficiency symptoms: Stunted growth, delayed flowering, dark green or purplish leaves.

3. Potassium (K)

  • Role: Regulates water balance, disease resistance, bean filling.
  • Deficiency symptoms: Leaf edge scorching, poor bean development, susceptibility to pests.

4. Calcium (Ca)

  • Role: Cell wall structure, root and leaf development.
  • Deficiency symptoms: Deformed young leaves, weak root tips, blossom-end rot in cherries.

5. Magnesium (Mg)

  • Role: Central atom in chlorophyll, crucial for photosynthesis.
  • Deficiency symptoms: Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins), premature leaf drop.

6. Sulfur (S)

  • Role: Protein synthesis, enzyme function.
  • Deficiency symptoms: Uniform leaf yellowing, similar to nitrogen but on younger leaves first.

Micronutrients

Iron (Fe)

  • Role: Chlorophyll synthesis, electron transport.
  • Deficiency: Yellowing of young leaves, green veins (interveinal chlorosis).

Zinc (Zn)

  • Role: Enzyme activation, hormone regulation.
  • Deficiency: Small, narrow leaves (“little leaf”), rosetting, poor fruit set.

Boron (B)

  • Role: Flowering, pollen viability, cell wall integrity.
  • Deficiency: Dead shoot tips, poor cherry formation, hollow beans.

Copper (Cu)

  • Role: Photosynthesis, lignin synthesis.
  • Deficiency: Dieback of branches, distorted leaves.

Manganese (Mn)

  • Role: Enzyme activation, photosynthesis.
  • Deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis with tiny necrotic spots.

Agricultural Practices for Nutrient Management

  • Soil testing: Determines fertilizer requirements.
  • Foliar analysis: Confirms hidden deficiencies.
  • Fertilizer programs: Adjusted by growth stage (e.g., nitrogen before flowering, potassium during fruit filling).
  • Organic inputs: Compost, manure, and mulching support soil health.

Lasting Importance

Nutrient uptake determines plant vigor, yield, and bean quality. Deficiencies weaken coffee plants, making them vulnerable to stress and reducing profitability. Proper diagnosis and balanced fertilization are crucial for sustainable coffee farming.

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Coffee Basics Nerds

Written by : Coffee Basics Nerds

Expert coffee historians and brewing enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and techniques behind your perfect cup of coffee.

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