COFFE BEAN PRODUCTION OF ROBUSTA COFFEE (Coffea robusta L.

) OF

THE SAL-AO COFFE PLANTATION AT BANTAY, TABUK CITY, KALINGA

An undergraduate thesis submitted to the college of Forestry

Kalinga State University, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga

In Partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FORESTRY

BABYLYN A. TANDINGAN

December 2019
 Chapter I

THE PROBLEM

Background of the study

Coffee (Coffee canephora) is traditionally grown under the shade of trees,

forming typical agroforestry system (Wintgens 2004).Shade trees provide numerous

benefits; there is an added value of wood production which can be expressed either in

terms of woody biomass or carbon fixation (Batjes and Sombroek 1997; Hergoulach et al.

2012; Ha’’ger 2012). These plantation may also act as critical refuge for forest biota,

including birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles (Perfecto et al.1996; Moguel and Taledo

1999) as cited by (Goodall et al., 2014).

The Philippines is one of the few countries that produces the four varieties of

commercially-viable coffee: Arabica, Liberica (Barako), Excelsa and Robusta. Climatic

and soil conditions in the Philippines - from the lowland to mountain regions - make the

country suitable for all four varieties. In the Philippines, coffee has a history as rich as its

flavor. The first coffee tree was introduced in Lipa, Batangas in 1740 by a Spanish

Franciscan monk. From there, coffee growing spread to other parts of Batangas like

Ibaan, Lemery, San Jose, Taal, and Tanauan. Batangas owed much of its wealth to the

coffee plantations in these areas and Lipa eventually became the coffee capital of the

Philippines.
In coffee Mazzafera (1999) found a higher protein content in the mature beans than in the

immature beans but a lower content of free amino acids, with asparagine as the main

component.

Coffee in the Province of Kalinga

In Kalinga Province, both Robusta and Arabica coffee are planted and grown in

its varied geographical terrain. It is the reason perhaps why many of the blends of both

coffee beans are found in Tabuk city, the capital of town of Kalinga Province. The

Province was once a top coffee producer nationwide. In 2012 it ranked 7 th nationwide in

terms of production and remains as the prime source of coffee beans contributing 69

percent of the annual 6,000 average produce of the Cordillera. Based on the data from the

Municipal Agricultural Offices in Kalinga, coffee plantation covers a total production

area of 7,417.70 hectares which is 7.31 ％ of the total agricultural area in the province.

Total production is 2,235 metric tons with an average yield of 300 kilos per hectare

(Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PICP) 2014-2016).

Kalinga province is one among the provinces in the country vulnerable to impacts of

climate change. The province’s geographic feature on the western portion is characterized

by sharp crested interlinking peaks of steep slope isolated flatlands, plateaus and valleys.

The eastern portion is generally rolling and gradually sloping foothills. The Chico River

which head waters coming from the Mountain province crisscrosses the province, drained

with a number of perennial and intermittent tributaries that will link to Cagayan River.

Eighty percent (80 ％) of the communities in the province are situated near these water
ways and in the upland areas and survival depends more on forest resources, swiden

farming “kaingin” and terraces farming (Bagtang et al 2013)

Tabuk city is the capital of the province where major marketing of farm produce

including of that coffee is marketed. It is also where the 11 coffee beans processors are

located.

The upper Barangays of Tabuk city are situated along the stretch of the Chico River

where climate is most favourable to fruit tree production which includes coffee.

The topography generally rugged and sloping with the mountain peaks raging fro 1,500℃

and Type III weather patterns. The dry season extends from November to April. The rest

of the year is rainy. The heaviest rains usually occur in the months of July and October

(https:/www.dilgcar.com).

In Kalinga, coffee became part of their culture also considered as the One Town One

Product (OTOP) of Kalinga. In Tabuk City, coffee trees can be found on the slopes along

the road especially in the Barangays along the stretch of the Chico River. “The Coffee

Road Map 2017-2022” was signed by president Duterte last March 2017 and under the

road Map, the government is targeting to increase coffee production to 24,626 metric ton

by 2022.

Biophysical and climate Change

Climate change studies predict the rising temperatures and water shortage will

negatively impact coffee productions suitability at lower elevations (Rivera et al.,2015)

as climate change becomes increasingly severe, an assessment of coffee producers’

ability and willingness to adapt would be especially valuable to those hoping to create
adaptation strategies and policies. Since coffee plants are highly sensitive to climate and

weather patterns, the coffee industry vulnerable to climate change. Some general

predictions for the coffee industry anticipate the traditional areas will no longer be

suitable for coffee, other areas may be able to adapt, and some will gain climatic

suitability for coffee production According to Thornthwaite (1988) as cited by Msuya

(2013), climate encompasses the statistics of temperature, humidity, atmospheric

pressure, wind, rainfall atmospheric particles count and other meteorological elements in

a given region over a long period of time. Unlike weather where it is on daily basis.

Since coffee plants are highly sensitive to climate and weather patterns, the coffee

industry is especially vulnerable to climate change , some general predictions for the

coffee industry anticipate that traditional areas will no longer be suitable for coffee

production ( Fischersworring et., al 2015). According to a study by Davis et al. (2012),

climate change could reduce the suitable localities for coffee farming by 68-100% by

2080. Fortunately , coffee producers have already begun to adapt. Overall, coffee farmers

are growing more coffee with less land according to reference FAO trends on yield and

total land area dedicated to ;land cultivation. Most especially, there has been a reduction

in the world wide harvested area for coffee approximately 2%, while yields per hectare

have increased by approximately 25%since 2003.

Factors affecting coffee quality

According to (Makonen 2009), temperature is the most important element, which

affects coffee bean quality. The higher the temperature, the higher the metabolic activity
of the seed. Coffee with moisture content as low as 11% loss its quality after 6 months

under a temperature of 35℃.On the other hand, a coffee with moisture content above

15% will maintain its quality temperature as low as 10℃ .Coffee needs to be maintained

at low temperature to reduce its metabolism and respiration.

Coffee grows at various altitudes, ranging from 550 to 2750 meters above sea level.

However, arabica is best thrives and produced between altitudes of 1300 and 1800 meters

above sea Level with annual rainfall amount ranging from 1500 to 2500 mm with an

ideal minimum and maximum air temperatures of 15 and 25°C, respectively. But, for

extremes and some cases, it grows up to 550 meter above sea level and in areas where

annual 2 rainfall ranges from 1000 to 2000 mm (CTA, 1999; Bayetta, 2001)

Rainfall requirements depends on the retention properties of the soil, atmospheric

humidity and cloud cov er as well as cultivation practices. The optimum annual rainfall

range is 1200-1800 mm for Arabica coffee. (Alegre 1959). A similar range seems to be

required for Robusta, although it adapts better than Arabica to intensive rainfall

exceeding 2000mm (Coste, 1992). For both species, a short dry spell, lasting 2-4 months,

corresponding to the quiescent growth phase, is important to stimulate flowering (Haarer,

1958). Abundant rainfall throughout the year is often responsible for scattered harvest

and low yields. Lack of dry period can also limit coffee cultivation in lowland tropical

regions (Maestri and Barros, 1977).

Shade is one of the main factors responsible for affecting the quality of coffee

bean. For example, fruits from coffee under shade are characterized by larger bean size

than those grown under full sun conditions. Another study found that sensory

characteristics were affect negatively and physical attributes were influenced positively
by shade tree depending on altitude (Geromelet al., 2008). However, shade has different

effects depending on the geographical location of coffee tree. For example, in higher

altitudes shade had adverse effect on fragrance, acidity, body, sweetness and preference

of the beverage, while no effect was found on the physical quality of the bean. At lower

elevations, shade did not have a significant effect on sensorial attributes but significantly

reduced the number of small beans. Shade was found to mitigate negative attributes in

coffee quality like bitterness and astringency while positive attributes like high acidity

were found to be significantly in shade grown beans (Bosselman et al., 2009). Moreover,

the shade led to significant reduction in sucrose content and to an increase in reducing

sugar (Geromel et al., 2008).

Shading has been adopted to avoid large reductions in night temperatures at high

elevations. The efficiency of shading, as a means to protect the coffee plants against

radiative frosts, increases greatly as the plants is closer to the shelter tree (Caramori et al.,

1995). (Fischersworring et al., 2015).

Muschler (2001) indicated that the shade improved the appearance of green and

routed coffee beans as well as the acidity and body of the brew by promoting slower and

balanced filling and uniform ripening.

Soil properties vary spatially and this variation affects plant growth and

complicates management. The use of leguminous trees in agroforestry systems offers

various advantages for soil conservation and improvement. Often, legumes are planted

along the farm boundary or intercropped with agronomic crops and other annual or

perennial crops. These leguminous plants help recycle nutrients, fix atmospheric

nitrogen, reduce soil evaporation, lower soil surface temperatures, provide shade for
crops, contribute animal feeds, supply human food and generally increase off-season

production.

Coffee berries act as priority sinks ( Vaast et al., 2005) and can accumulate more

than 95% of N,P and K absorbed by the plant during bean filling (Canell, 1985). Soil also

has its own role in quality of copy. An excess of nitrogen increase the caffeine content,

resulting in a more bitter taste of the brew. High concentration of calcium (>0.11%) and

potassium (>1/75%) in the beans is associated with a bitter and “hard” taste (Wintgens,

2004). Nitrogen phosphorous negatively correlated with the coffee quality. In addition,

calcium negatively correlated with the quality of coffee. Soil pH is noted to indirectly

associate with the character and acidity of coffee.

Conceptual framework

The environment has a strong influence on coffee quality (Decasyet al., 2013.

Altitude, daily temperature fluctuations, amount and distribution of rainfall and the

physical and chemical characteristics of the soil are very important factors. Climate,

altitude and shade play an important role through temperature, availability of light and

water during the ripening period (Dycasyet al., 2003). Rainfall and sunshine distributions

have a strong influence on flowering, bean expansion, and ripening (Harding et al.,

1987). Laboratory analysis will give actual NPK and pH level of the soil to study which

has something to do with the yield and quality of the said coffee plantation. These

processes are deemed information for local farm owner as reference for farm

improvement and promotion.

 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Determine the coffee Measure the weight of Coffee bean
bean production of harvested red bean, production of
Robusta coffee in Robusta coffee (
terms of weight, size Measure the size of the Coffea robusta) of
and number of bean harvested red bean, the Sal-ao coffee
per kilo. plantation at
Determine the micro Measure the number of red Bantay Tabuk city
climate and soil bean per harvest. Kalinga.
nutrient of the Measure the rainfall and
plantation, and temperature weekly inside
the plantation,
Determine the Soil sampling and subject
associated plants for soil analysis
around the coffee Vegetation inventory inside
plants. the coffee plantation.

Figure 1.Conceptual paradigm of the study

Time and place of the study

The study will be conducted from November to January at Sal-ao’s coffee

plantation located at Barangay Bantay, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Statement of the problem

1. What is the volume production of Robusta coffee plants in the area?

2. What is the micro climate and soil nutrient of the plantation, and

3. What are the associated plants around the coffee plants?

Hypothesis

1. There is no significant differences on the production of coffee beans among the

Robusta coffee plant in the area.

 2. The micro nutrient and soil nutrient content of the area is within the climatic

requirement and soil requirement for Robusta coffee.

3. There are more than 20 associated plants in the area.

Scope and delimitation of the study

The study is only limited to the determination of weight, size and pieces of bean

per kilo. Soil analysis in terms of N, P, K, rainfall occurrence and daily temperature.

Definition of terms

Associated vegetation/plants.

Soil analysis. This refers to a set of various chemical processes that determine the amount

of available plant nutrients in the soil, but also the chemical, physical and biological soil

properties important for plant nutrition, or “soil health”.

Micro-climate. This refers to any climate condition in a relatively small area, within a

few meters or less above and below the Earth’s surface and within canopies of

vegetation. The term usually applies to the surfaces of a terrestrial and glaciated

environments, but it could also pertain to the surfaces of oceans and other bodies of

water.

Vegetation. This refers to all plants and trees collectively, typically those in specific

region. It is a group of plant life associated with each other forming an ecosystem.

Rainfall. This refers to the amount of precipitation usually measured by the depth in

inches

Weight. This refers to the amount or quantity heaviness or mass, amount a thing weighs.
 Chapter 2

RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY

Research and Design

Descriptive method design will be used for biophysical assessment and soil

fertility status of the Sal-ao coffee farm at Barangay Bantay Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Locale of the study

The study will be conducted at the Sal-ao farm located at Barangay Bantay,

Tabuk City, Kalinga. Bantay is a barangay in the city of Tabuk, in the Province of

Kalinga. The population (as determined by the 2015 census) was 1,194. This represented

1.08% of the total population of Tabuk. Barangay Bantay shares a common border with

Magnao, Suyang, Amlao, Lucog, Bado Dangwa and Nambucayan. The elevation at these

coordinates is estimated at 480 meters or 1,581.3 feet above mean sea level. The study

site is 10 km from Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

(https://www.phiatlas.com/luzon/car/kalinga/tabuk/bantay.html.)

Base on the tracking using the GPS and geo-cam, the study site has an

approximate area of 2 hectares.

Data gathering procedures

1. Status, plantation management, survey and inventory of the study site.

The nature, extent and characteristics of coffee plantation will be described using

both primary and secondary data. Primary information includes: elevation, area,

vegetation and other information which will be validated through actual reconnaissance.

The coffee plantation according to history, ownership, period of establishment

and cultural management shall be made through individual interview.

Geographical Positioning System (GPS) will be used to gather necessary

coordinates of the coffee plantations. Coordinates obtain will be uploaded to the system

to determine the location on the map. The same program will also use to determine the

area of the coffee plantation of farm.

Actual ground measurement was conducted to collect data inside each sample

plots.

2. micro-climate

a. Rainfall

The amount of rainfall will be measured with the use of an improvised rain gauge

and recording the rainfall occurrence within the plantation will be done weekly.

b. Temperature

Mobile app from the android cellphone will be used to measure the temperature of

the plantation every end of the week.

3. Design of sampling plot

A sampling intensity (SI) will be used in the study. The perimeter fence near the

road side will be used as the base line. Four (4) strip lines were establish at 90⸰

perpendicular to the establish baseline. Each strip line consists of 2 plots having an

individual dimension of 20m x 20m (approximate area of 400 m2). A total of eight (8)

sample plot were established with in the study site. Within the 20m x 20m sample plot,

only trees with greater than 15 cm DBH were recorded. A sub plot of 5m x 5m inside the

20m x 20m plot was made where only tress with diameter 15cm above-ground were

recorded. Characterization and identification of all other vegetation within the established

plots and sub plots will be made.

4. Soil Chemical Properties

Three (3) composite soil samples will be taken from the coffee plantation

according to three elevations. The sample were air dried and was submitted to the Soils

Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office Number 2,

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for the analysis of organic matters(nitrogen), phosphorus,

potassium and pH.

REFERENCE

IPPC.(2006). Good practice guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories.

Switzerland : Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Soto- Pinto, L., Perfecto, I., Castillo-Hernandez, J., Caballero-Nieto, J. (2000). Shade

effect on coffee production at the northern Tzetal zone of the state of Chiapas,

Mexico.

Micaela Battiste, Matthew Gocioch, Michell Gross, Shoiab, R. (2016). Specialty Coffee

Farmers’ Climate change Concern and Perceived Ability to Adapt.

 Guide Question

Name: ________________________________ Location: ____________________

Age: ____ ____________________

Farm History

1. Is the area, Forest before the farm establishment? Yes, or No.

2. What is the age of the plantation?

Farm establishment

1. When was the farm established?

2. Did you apply slash and burn during the farm establishment? Yes, or No.

3. Did you leave the naturally growing trees in the area? Yes, or No.

4. Did you plant shade trees in the coffee farm? Yes, or No.

Farm management

1. Do you apply fertilizer in your coffee farm? Yes, or No.

2. Do you use herbicide in your coffee farm? Yes, or No.

3. Do you prune your coffee? Yes, or No if yes how often.

4. What is the harvest methods you apply in your farm?

5. What is the average yield per hectare of your coffee farm in kilos or can?