Excellent — this now becomes a formal accredited training unit under Kenya Coffee School, Barista Mtaani, OSE™ and ACE™.
Below is the Diploma Module with Unit Codes for the 21-Page Agronomy & Soil Health Program.
KENYA COFFEE SCHOOL
African Coffee Diploma (ACE™)
Module Title
Coffee Agronomy, Soil Health & Variety Management
MODULE CODE
ACE–AGR 201
Credit Value: 10 Credits
Contact Hours: 120 Hours
(60 Theory, 40 Practical, 20 Field & Extension)
Level: Diploma
Delivery Mode: Classroom, Farm, Demonstration Plots, Extension Visits
MODULE DESCRIPTION
This module equips learners with scientific and field-based competence to manage coffee varieties (SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, Batian, K7, Robusta) through soil health, nutrient inputs, water management and ecological agronomy.
The unit integrates African soil systems, climate resilience and specialty coffee quality under African Coffee Education (ACE™).
MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:
- Interpret soil test reports for coffee farms
- Match coffee varieties to soil types and climates
- Design fertilizer and compost programs per variety
- Improve soil biological activity
- Implement erosion and moisture control systems
- Diagnose nutrient deficiencies
- Link soil management to cup quality
- Train farmers using extension methods
UNIT STRUCTURE
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACE–AGR 201.1 | Coffee Soils & Root Ecology | 15 |
| ACE–AGR 201.2 | Soil Testing & Interpretation | 10 |
| ACE–AGR 201.3 | Organic Matter & Composting | 15 |
| ACE–AGR 201.4 | Nutrient Management (NPK & Micros) | 20 |
| ACE–AGR 201.5 | Variety-Specific Agronomy | 20 |
| ACE–AGR 201.6 | Water, Mulch & Shade Systems | 15 |
| ACE–AGR 201.7 | Soil Health & Disease Resistance | 10 |
| ACE–AGR 201.8 | Extension Methods & Farmer Training | 15 |
UNIT 201.1 – Coffee Soils & Root Ecology
Hours: 15
Learners study: • Soil layers
• Coffee root zones
• Oxygen and drainage
• Compaction effects
• Soil texture and coffee response
Practical: • Dig soil profiles
• Identify root depth
• Compare SL28 vs Ruiru root spread
UNIT 201.2 – Soil Testing & Interpretation
Hours: 10
Covers: • Sampling techniques
• pH, nitrogen, potassium, calcium
• Interpreting lab reports
• Corrective actions
Practical: • Collect samples
• Interpret actual farm results
UNIT 201.3 – Organic Matter & Composting
Hours: 15
Topics: • Carbon cycle
• Composting methods
• Mulching systems
• Coffee pulp utilization
Practical: • Build compost
• Apply mulch correctly
UNIT 201.4 – Nutrient Management
Hours: 20
Topics: • Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
• Calcium, Magnesium
• Micronutrients
• Fertilizer timing
• Organic vs inorganic
Practical: • Foliar mixing
• Fertilizer calibration
UNIT 201.5 – Variety-Specific Agronomy
Hours: 20
Covers: • SL28, SL34 nutrient needs
• Ruiru 11 disease tolerance
• Batian climate resilience
• K7 drought tolerance
• Robusta nutrition
Field: • Compare performance across varieties
UNIT 201.6 – Water, Mulch & Shade
Hours: 15
Topics: • Water stress
• Drainage
• Shade trees
• Climate buffering
Practical: • Shade mapping
• Mulch application
UNIT 201.7 – Soil Health & Disease Resistance
Hours: 10
Covers: • Root diseases
• Nematodes
• Biological control
• Soil biodiversity
UNIT 201.8 – Extension Methods
Hours: 15
Learners learn: • Farmer training
• Demonstration plots
• Record keeping
• Advisory delivery
ASSESSMENT
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Soil test interpretation | 20% |
| Compost & fertilizer plan | 25% |
| Field practical | 30% |
| Final agronomy exam | 25% |
CERTIFICATION
On successful completion, learners receive:
Diploma in African Coffee Agronomy & Soil Health
Issued by Kenya Coffee School, Barista Mtaani, OSE™ & ACE™