Variation of Mineral Micronutrient Elements in Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) As Measured by Energy Dispersive X -Ray Fluorescence | Chapter 12 | Recent Advances in Biological Research Vol. 4
Introduction: In many parts of the world, Coffea grows between latitude 25°N and 25°S and requires specific climatic conditions to produce high bean yield and quality. In Uganda, Robusta coffee is grown in a diversity of soils that range from red sandy clay or gravelly loam to soft laterite. Macro-elements such as K, Ca and Na though detectable through EDXRF are not as heavy as trace elements such as Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, a factor that makes the micro-elements more amenable to EDXRF measurement. The EDXRF spectrometer instrument has a semi-conductor detector that measures the entire energy spectrum when placed closer to the sample to minimize loss of energy by the fluorescent X-ray. Aim: Robusta coffee growing countries of the world such as Uganda, have experienced a decline in market prices since 2002 due to changed consumer preferences for other beverages. In Uganda, where Robusta coffee is the major income earner, one practical way of ensuring that coffee prices remain compet...