Microclimatic characterization of a conilon coffee plantation grown in an east-west orientation

Abstract

Plant microclimate is seasonally influenced by the Earth’s rotation and the orientation of sun-exposed slopes. As such, understanding the system which constitutes the microenvironment is essential to create strategies to optimize plant performance in a changing environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of planting coffee in an east-west orientation on microclimatic aspects, plant growth and nutrient content. The experiment was conducted in a farm located in the northern region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data collection was carried out on a 30-month old conilon coffee crop under full sun, with spacing of 3.0 m x 1.0 m and a plant height of ca. 1.6 m, from December 2016-September 2017. The irradiance, air temperature and vapor pressure deficit variables were reported by means of external data loggers. Leaf temperature (determined using thermal images), plant growth and leaf concentration on both sides of the plant were evaluated. Highest irradiance, air temperature and vapor pressure deficit values were observed on the north side, with the maximal difference reaching 4°C. This microclimate led to the highest leaf temperature on the north side, with a maximal difference of ca. 11°C around midday. Differences in macro- and micronutrient leaf concentrations were observed with a trend toward higher values on the north side probably associated with increased transpiration rates due to a high vapor pressure deficit. Higher macro- and micronutrient leaf content led to the better performance of coffee plants on the north side to some extent. There was no significant difference between the two sides of the plant for the growth variables.