The Response of Coffee (Coffea Arabica L) Seedling Growth andPerformance to Different Ratio of Organic Matter Combinationsat Bako, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was carried out to explore the effect of different growing media on seed germination and seedling growth of Coffee (Coffea arabica L). The research was conducted at Bako Agriculture research center coffee nursery site during three successive seasons from November to November, 2021-July 2021, November, 2022-July 2022and November, 2023-July 2023. This research was arranged in a complete randomized design with thirteen treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments were combination between types of media shoat, dairy manure, compost, vermicompost and sandy soil. The result describes different ratio of organic matter combinations affect all the growth parameters of coffee seedlings. In interaction of year by treatments highly significant difference was recorded for days to emergence, root length, Internode length and girth. Based on cost of organic maters the highest cost was incurred for combination of 20% top soil+40% sand+ 40% vermin compost (10950ETB) while the lowest cost was incurred for treatment 40% top soil + 20% sand +40% dairy manure (5400ETB). In general, a growth media combination of 40% top soil plus 20% sand plus 40% vermin compost (2:1:2) works better than treatments. We recommend 40% top soil + 20% sand + 40% dairy manure (2:1:2) for coffee growers and private sectors located in Bako areas and areas with similar agroecology, taking into consideration the financial issue, health and performance of the seedlings.