fertilizer value of coffee grounds

Carol A. Miles (milesc@wsu.edu)
Mon, 14 Apr 1997 14:54:44 -0800

A grower here has access to coffee grounds from a commercial coffee brewing
establishment. The fresh grounds will be delivered free of charge to the
farm. The grower proposes to spead fresh (uncomposted) coffee grounds on
his vegetable field, prior to planting, at the rate of 1 sq. yard per 1000
sq. ft.

The questions the grower has are:

1. What is the nutrient value of fresh coffee grounds? N-P-K and
micronutrient values would be greatly appreciated, if anyone has knows this
data.

2. Is there a reason why he should not apply fresh coffee grounds to soil
which will be planted to vegetables? He is concerned about potential
growth inhibition, or some otherwise unknown negative impacts.

Carol A. Miles, Ph.D.
Washington State University
Extension Agricultural Systems
360 NW North Street
Chehalis, WA 98532
PHONE 360-740-1295 FAX 360-740-2792
milesc@wsu.edu