Greenhouse Innovation

At Gelana Gesha, we employ a cutting-edge greenhouse technique to ensure uniform growth and quality of our Arabica coffee. Every aspect of agronomic practice is meticulously controlled using smart technology, allowing for precision in nurturing our coffee seedlings.

Advanced Planting Techniques

Coffee seedlings are planted in pits that measure 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet, with a spacing of 8 feet by 8 feet. The topsoil and bottom soil are kept separate, enriched with manure and compost, and then refilled into the hole. This process, which includes the use of cow dung, poultry droppings, and coffee parchment, improves soil fertility and supports healthy plant development.

Shade Trees: A Vital Component

Shade trees play a crucial role in our farming strategy. They provide essential canopy cover to mitigate excessive temperatures and prevent heat stress, which can lead to flower and fruit abortion.

These trees also:

- Improve Soil Fertility: By recovering nutrients from deeper soil layers and adding organic matter to the soil.

- Enhance Water Retention: Their decomposed leaves improve soil texture and water holding capacity.

- Reduce Competition: Deep-rooted trees do not compete with coffee plants for water and nutrients.

- Nitrogen Fixation: Leguminous shade trees convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nitrates for coffee plants.

- Act as Windbreakers: Protecting coffee plants from damaging winds and pests.

Irrigation and Maintenance

Gelana Gesha is equipped with both drip irrigation and sprinklers, utilizing water from the Gelana River. This system ensures consistent hydration and optimal growth conditions.

Cultivation and Harvesting Practices

- Branching Techniques: When coffee plantlets reach approximately 1.5 feet (6-9 months), they are bent east to west to encourage multiple branches. Two healthy lower branches are selected to maximize yield and profitability.

- Desuckering: Continuous removal of unwanted shoots prevents the development of microclimates that could foster pests and diseases.

- Soil Management: Regular soil testing guides nutrient management, including adjusting soil pH as needed.

Processing and Quality Control

- Harvesting: Only ripe red cherries are harvested to maintain high quality. The cherries are immediately dried on tarpaulins, raised platforms, or cemented floors to preserve their flavor profile.

- Processing Methods: We utilize both washed and natural processing methods to cater to different flavor preferences. The natural process enhances the blueberry mousse character of the coffee, while the washed method ensures a clean, vibrant cup.