The influence of drip irrigation on the yield and quality of the /Coffea arabica/ L. hybrid in Kenya

Abstract

For this research, a field trial in which the Ruiru 11 Arabica coffee variety is drip irrigated at five levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mm) and three intervals (21, 28 and 42 days) was performed . For a period of three years the production data of parchment coffee, fruit size and quality of the drink were recorded. The results showed that the production and quality responded to the amount of irrigation water to the frequency of application. There were significant increases in production above 50 mm of water, which indicates that this may be the right level for this strain. The practical implications of this result are discussed.