Farm 1- Geisha Plot
Assessment and Recommendations
May 2026
Background
Set high in the mountains in a small town outside of Manizales is a plot of Geisha coffee which is our first site for Falcon On-Farm. The farm borders a forested area to the north, and many species of birds have been sighted on the farm. The owners have a strong interest in sustainability and when asked why they were interested in participating in Falcon On-Farm, they responded:
“We are inspired to build a productive system that coexists in harmony with biodiversity, regenerates ecosystems, and is resilient to climate change, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the landscape.”
General information
| Location | Caldas, Colombia |
| Elevation | 1860-2020 m asl |
| Total farm area | 14.3 ha |
| Project area | 1.35 ha |
| Varietal | Geisha |
Assessment
Various pieces of information were collected to assess the current state of the farm and provide data on which to base next steps and recommendations for the transiting the farm to regenerative agriculture practices.
Site visits and interviews with the producers were conducted.
Soil samples were collected and analyzed for both chemical and biological parameters.
Baseline surveys were conducted to gather information on farm management techniques such as fertilizer and pesticide use, pruning and renovation methods and incidence of pest and diseases.
Existing strengths of the farm
The farm has significant foundations on which to build. These existing practices position the farm well for a transition to predominantly biological management.
Exceptional Biodiversity
781 microbial species detected in the soil. 73 species of birds documented on the farm. Very high natural insecticide and biocontrol capacity.
Excellence in Organic Matter
Organic matter at 8.5%—well above the minimum target of 3%. Composting at established compost and pulp waste management site.
100% Mechanical Control
No dependence on herbicides. Total mechanical weed management with a scythe maintains the biological integrity of the soil.
Biocontrol already in use
Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium applied for pest management. Mycorrhizal inoculants applied
(although the establishment needs improvement).
Shade Infrastructure
Shade established with nitrogen-fixing species: Inga (Guamo), Carbonero (Albizia) and Pink Cedar.
Good base for expansion.
Premium Position
Geisha with SCA 87–88.
Strong commitment of the producer to the regenerative transition.
Areas for improvement
Although the farm has a good foundation, there are three primary constraints that limit the biological potential of the farm and can be addressed through regenerative practices.
Acidic Soil and Calcium Deficiency
pH 5.3 with 36% exchangeable hydrogen. Aluminum at 985 ppm inhibits root growth and harms beneficial fungi. Calcium occupies only 39% of exchange sites (target: 60–70%). Low CEC (cation exchange capacity) of 7.52 meq/100g limits the nutrient retention capacity.
864 lb/acre calcium deficit
No mycorrhizal fungi detected
Despite the current use of mycorrhizal inoculants, the BeCrop biological analysis found no arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Aluminum toxicity and low pH may be preventing establishment. AMF colonization increases phosphorus uptake 3–5 times.
0 AMF detected
Red Spider & the Paradox of the Acaricide
The main pest (Oligonychus yothersi) persists despite the extensive use of acaricides. Broad-spectrum miticides kill predatory mites far more effectively than pest mites, severely depleting natural enemies that would otherwise regulate pest populations.
Severity 3–4/5
Recommendations and Next Steps
Based on the findings from the assessment, the following phased recommendations have been outlined that will improve soil health and nutrition, provide natural pest management and create a healthy, productive ecosystem for the coffee to thrive. The recommendations have been discussed with the farm owners and implementation is set to start this summer (2026).
Phase 1 (first 6 months)
• Amend and correct soil calcium, potassium and soil micronutrients
• Inoculate soils with HMA from verified sources
• Begin to establish habitat strips for beneficial insects
Phase 2 (6-18 months)
• Transition to calcium nitrate as fertilizer
• Plant cover crops and hedges
• Plant Inga shade trees
• Prepare lime-sulfur solution on the farm
• Conduct foliar analysis after 1 year
Phase 3 (18-36 months)
• Reduce synthetic nitrogen by 50%
• Evaluate predator-prey ratio for pests
• Prune shrubs to create mulch
• Plant Tabebuia shade trees near corridors
• Repeat soil, biological and quality analysis
Summary
The farm’s soil hosts an exceptionally diverse microbial community (781 species) and good organic matter reserves—the biological foundation for a productive, low-input system (Principle 1 of Regenerative Coffee). Soil acidity, calcium deficiency, and micronutrient gaps suppress this biological activity and reduce plant resistance to red spider mite.
The recommended approach corrects soil chemistry first, then builds nitrogen-fixing plant infrastructure (ground covers and shade trees) that will progressively replace acidifying synthetic fertilizers (Principle 3).
Functional habitat strips designed for predatory mite conservation will shift red spider management from chemical intervention to ecological regulation (Principle 4). Multi-strata shade design optimizes photosynthetic capacity and buffers hot dry conditions that favor spider mite outbreaks (Principle 2).
Within three to five years, the farm can develop a predominantly biologically driven fertility and pest management system, substantially reduce external input costs, and maintain or improve the SCA 87–88 cup quality that defines the farm’s market position—with the pace of transition determined by plant performance, soil chemistry, predator:prey dynamics, and cup quality at each stage.
Assessment, Recommendations and Summary text and diagrams courtesy of Sam Knowlton, Soil Symbiotics