Celebrating World Soil Day

Today, on World Soil Day, we celebrate the vital role soil plays in sustainable coffee farming and highlight an example of the work we do at origin to protect and enhance this precious resource.

In Brazil, as part of the Nutrient Project on producers’ farms, we start with a comprehensive chemical analysis of the soil – a fundamental step to understand nutrient availability in each coffee plot. Samples are collected with care, following strict protocols to ensure accuracy.

We also monitor irrigation practices, verifying the exact amount of water supplied per hour. This is particularly crucial for Conilon in the region of Espírito Santo, where over 90% of crops are irrigated and naturally fertirrigated – meaning they receive fertilisers through irrigation water. Knowing the precise water volume enables greater efficiency, cost savings, and accuracy in plant nutrition.

During monthly visits, Volcafe Way technicians make crop estimates. These insights allow us to adjust the nutritional plan based on the plants’ productive potential:

Higher-yield crops require increased nutritional input.
Lower-yield crops receive reduced doses.

This tailored approach ensures resource efficiency and cost savings for producers, while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Finally, plant tissue samples (leaves) are collected three times a year to refine nutritional recommendations. After all, the foundation for high productivity and efficiency lies in nutritional balance, not in the excessive application of one or another isolated nutrient.