Coffee Pulp and Husk Residue Compost Improve the Growth of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Seedlings in the Nursery

Background: Compost made from coffee husk and pulp residues could serve as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers for fertilizing coffee fields. Methods: This study was conducted to determine the agronomic value of seven compost formulations based on coffee residues [Husk residues+chicken manure (3:1); Husk residues+chicken manure (2:1); Husk residues+chicken manure (1:1); Husk residues+pig slurry (3:1); husk residues+pig slurry (2:1); pulp residues+chicken manure (3:1); and husk residues+pig slurry (1:1)] mixed in equal proportion with potting soil on the vegetative growth of coffee seedlings in the nursery. The experimental design employed was a completely randomized design with one factor. Result: Six months after planting, the compost based on husk residues+chicken manure (3:1) and the compost based on husk residues+pig slurry (3:1) were found to be more effective. The former led to rapid growth in plant height (46.85 cm compared to 27.1 cm) and diameter. It is followed in terms of effectiveness on height growth by the compost based on husk residues+Pig slurry in proportion (3:1). These composts also had a positive impact on the fresh and dry biomass (aboveground and root) of coffee plants. This can be explained by the high content of organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, calcium and phosphorus in these composts. These two composts mixed in equal proportion with potting soil are recommended for coffee plant production in the nursery. Furthermore, field experimentation would confirm their effectiveness.