Observations on the Water Culture Technique for Studying the Effects of Copper Concentrations on Arabica Coffee Seedlings

Abstract

The technique of growing plants in soil-less cultures is not new. However, modifications are often made to this technique to suit a particular plant species, the climatic conditions of the area and the availability of facilities and equipment. Ulrich (1956), Fernandez and Childers (1960), Hoagland and Chandler (1932),Hoagland (1940) and Hewitt (1963, 1966), have grown various crops in water cultures, another soil-less media in order to provide basic information on the role and interactions of nutrient elements before conducting field and other long-term experiments. Coffee species and perennial fruit crops, (citrus, cacao, apples)have been similarly grown for the same purpose, (Laue, 1957. 1961; Malavolta andGomes, 1961; Malavolta et al 1962; Bould,1961; Bolle-Jones, 1954; Lewis and Kenworthy,1962). Sholto-Douglas (1955), speculated on the possibility of soil-less cultivation of Arabica coffee in Kenya. He thought that such a technique, apart from saving time, labour and Space, would expose plants to adequate nutrition, free from the interference of soil colloids.