Integrated Weed Management Training

On the morning of March 30, 2023, coffee farmers came to Xiao Ao Zi Coffee Farm in Simao District to participate in the "Integrated Weed Management Training" organized by Pu'er Tianchen Coffee Co., Ltd. and Rainforest Alliance.

Farmers learned the methodology of integrated weed management (chemical and non-chemical methods) in coffee plantations, the relationship between weeds and soil fertility, and the impact of chemical herbicides on coffee garden ecology.

This training took a participatory approach, taking farmers to go to the fields for a weed collection competition, and identifying soft Vs. noxious weeds. Everyone participated in an enthusiastic and friendly atmosphere.

Weeds with deep root systems compete with coffee tree for nutrients, resulting in reduced coffee yields. However, weeds with shallow root systems help in water and nutrient retention and increase soil microbial diversity, thereby enhancing the ability of coffee roots exchanging nutrients, providing benefits for high-quality, high-yield coffee fruit setting.

Therefore, in the management of coffee farms, we should avoid the widespread use of chemical herbicides such as glyphosate. Instead, identify soft and noxious weed first, and then conduct separate weed management accordingly, keeping the soft weed and removing the noxious ones. This will keep nutrient competition control, and also increase the micro-organisms, providing the water and key nutrients needed for coffee growth.