Coffee's Climate Conundrum: How Weather Shapes Mexico's Brew

Coffee is a big deal. It's one of the most traded and drunk products globally. Most of it is grown in tropical regions, while it's mainly consumed in the north. The weather plays a huge role in how much coffee is produced and how good it is. Wet and dry periods are crucial for the plant's life cycle. Recently, it's been shown that coffee-growing areas are really sensitive to climate changes. In the central part of Veracruz, Mexico, a study looked at how weather affects coffee plants. The focus was on water use, growth, yield, and the plant's life cycle. The research took place over three years in a coffee farm growing the Garnica variety. Every month, during three harvest seasons, the plant's height, leaf count, and cherry yield were recorded. Weather data like temperature, rain, humidity, and solar radiation were also tracked. The plant's water needs were figured out using a specific ratio. The study found that coffee plants drink the most water during flowering and when the beans are ripening. The least water was used during the 2018-2019 harvest, showing a water shortage. Rain and how well it soaks into the soil were the biggest factors in how well the plants grew. The yield was also linked to water and weather conditions. However, the stats didn't fully explain why the yield varied so much. The main reasons for this variation were the soil's water storage and the minimum temperature. So, what's the big takeaway? Coffee plants need different amounts of water at different stages of growth. Changes in weather patterns could lead to water shortages, hurting the plant's growth, yield, and quality. This is a big deal for coffee farmers and lovers alike. It's a reminder that our changing climate affects more than just the weather. It affects the food and drinks we enjoy every day. It's a call to action to protect the environment and support sustainable farming practices. It's also a chance to appreciate the complex journey of a simple cup of coffee.