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A study case on coffee (Coffea arabica): Limu Coffe - IRD

A study case on coffee (Coffea arabica): Limu Coffe - IRD

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3) Envir<strong>on</strong>ment and biodiversity<br />

3.1) General descripti<strong>on</strong> of the envir<strong>on</strong>ment<br />

Ethiopia is both the centre of origin and diversificati<strong>on</strong> of the crop. Studies have<br />

shown that Ethiopia possesses a range of envir<strong>on</strong>ments for cultivati<strong>on</strong> of <strong>coffee</strong>. The<br />

following map illustrates the distributi<strong>on</strong> of these envir<strong>on</strong>ments in the country:<br />

Illustrati<strong>on</strong> 10: Major Arabica <strong>coffee</strong> growing areas of Ethiopia<br />

In this range, rainfall, temperature, elevati<strong>on</strong> and soil are major factors influencing the<br />

ec<strong>on</strong>omic producti<strong>on</strong> of <strong>coffee</strong> (CPDE, 2005): <strong>Coffe</strong>e is found between 350 and 2,600 masl<br />

(the ideal being 1,400-2,200 masl), temperatures ranging between 10° and 30°C (the ideal<br />

being between 15-25°C), which rainfall suitable for its producti<strong>on</strong> are between 800-2,500<br />

mm. Relative humidity ranges between 30-85% (the ideal being 43-75%) and a deep soil<br />

(>150cm), friable, porous and rich in organic matter is essential with pH slightly acidic (4.6-<br />

6.5) whereas a gentle to moderate slope is preferable.<br />

26

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