Coffee Replanting: Which Varieties to Choose and How to Prepare the Soil to Prevent Plant Death?

Replanting (or rejuvenating) coffee plantations is essential when trees become old, unproductive, disease-prone, and produce low-quality beans.
However, if the soil is not properly treated or if unsuitable varieties are selected, the risk of large-scale seedling death after replanting is extremely high.

👉 So how should you prepare the soil to prevent fungal infection?
Which varieties are drought-tolerant and rust-resistant?
Let’s explore all the answers below.

⚠️ Why Do Coffee Plants Often Die After Replanting?

• Residual nematodes and fungal pathogens in old soil
• Old root remnants not fully decomposed → root rot in new seedlings
• Soil acidification and loss of beneficial microorganisms
• New varieties unsuited to local soil and climate
• Incorrect planting time or technique

✅ Therefore, proper soil preparation and variety selection are critical for successful replanting.

🧱 1. Proper Soil Preparation for Coffee Replanting

📅 Best time for replanting:

From the end of the rainy season to the beginning of the dry season (October–December)
→ Ensures young plants establish roots before the heat of the dry season.

🌿 Steps for soil rehabilitation:

1. Remove all old coffee stumps and major roots.
2. Expose soil to sunlight for 3–6 months — ideally grow forage grass or legumes during this time.
3. Apply 2–3 tons/ha of lime to reduce acidity and kill pathogens.
4. Incorporate decomposed manure + Trichoderma to eliminate soil fungi.
5. If possible, rotate crops (corn, mung bean, soybean) for 1–2 seasons before replanting.

🔍 Notes:

• Never plant directly over the old coffee stump.
• Maintain spacing of 3.0 × 3.0 m or 3.5 × 3.5 m, depending on location.
• Consider intercropping with pepper, durian, or windbreak trees such as Acacia auriculiformis.

🌱 2. Recommended Coffee Varieties for Replanting

🔥 High-performing and rust-resistant varieties

📌 Important tips:

• Choose varieties from certified research institutes or reputable nurseries.
• Avoid using seeds from old or mixed plantations → low and inconsistent yield.
• Select rust-resistant varieties to minimize fungicide dependence.

🔬 3. Planting Techniques After Replanting

• Dig holes at least 30–45 days before planting, size 60 × 60 × 60 cm.
• Base fertilizer: 10–15 kg decomposed manure + lime + biofertilizer per hole.
• Use nursery-grown seedlings (30–40 cm tall, with 6–7 true leaves).
• Provide shade for 2–3 weeks and maintain light, consistent moisture.

🚫 Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Planting seedlings at midday under strong sun
❌ Ignoring nematode/fungal soil treatment → young plant death
❌ Using unknown or untested seed sources → degeneration risk
❌ Over-fertilizing with nitrogen → rapid but weak growth

📌 Conclusion

💬 “Replanting coffee isn’t just about planting new trees — it’s about rebuilding the entire soil and ecosystem.”

Farmers should always remember:
✅ Thoroughly rehabilitate soil before replanting
✅ Rotate crops for at least one season if possible
✅ Choose high-yield, disease-resistant varieties
✅ Follow correct planting and early care techniques