Excerpt from Production, Consumption and Price Trends of Coffee

The soil considered best for coffee growing is volcanic ash that is rich, deep, moist, friable, and well-drained. Ideal temperatures range from 60 to 80 F., and rainfall should average about 70 inches annually, distributed throughout the year. The plants will grow at all altitudes up to the frost zone, but the better flavored coffees are said to thrive best in regions from to feet above sea level.

The most famous coffee soil in Brazil is a red clay, 3 or 4 feet thick, called terra roxa. As the coffee plantations have been recently extended, plants have been set out on progressively thinner soils until some observers believe the economically profitable limit has been almost reached. A contrary opinion, however, is that, as far as natural con ditions are concerned, coffee production can be expanded enormously. The principal areas are now located on plateaus to feet in elevation, with a mean annual temperature of 70 F. And yearly rainfall of from 40 to 60 inches. The rains come in late August and continue through February, and dry weather prevails during the harvesting season from May to August.

Colombia's coffee soils are partly of volcanic origin and almost always dark, or black, in color, those of Antioquia being noted partie ularly for their flavor-giving qualities. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the best growing regions, has steep slopes for drainage and deep fertile soils; the top layer is a dark-brown clay with much humus, and the subsoil is heavy red clay with a high potash and iron content. Most of the coffee is planted between and feet above sea level. Mists and clouds, rising from the lowlands during the rainy season, drench the trees and also protect them from the noon sun. Most of the rain comes at midday, or in the afternoon, with no heavy downpours. There is a long dry period for ripening and harvesting.

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