Integrated land management for sustainable robusta coffee cultivation in East Java

Abstract

Robusta coffee production requires land management that maintains soil functions, regulates water, and reduces pest pressure under increasing climate variability. This study transformed field-based professional practice at PT Perkebunan Nusantara I Regional 5, Bangelan Bantaran Estate, Malang, East Java, into an analytical case study of integrated land management for robusta coffee cultivation. Data were obtained during January-February 2026 through direct field observation, operational documentation, interviews with estate personnel, and unit normalization of reported management inputs. The estate covers 883.20 ha, with mature robusta coffee representing 67.94% of the land allocation and supporting land, sugarcane partnership, nurseries, and timber blocks forming the remaining production landscape. The reconstructed management model integrates selective clearing, topography-sensitive tillage, road and drainage construction, temporary and permanent shade, vegetative seedlings, combined organic-mineral fertilization, chemical weed control, canopy pruning, biological control using Beauveria bassiana, and selective red-cherry harvesting. Derived input indicators showed that herbicide application used 250-300 L ha-1 carrier volume, while Beauveria bassiana was applied at 300 g ha-1 in 320 L water. 


Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 15: Life on Land