Spatial estimation of foliar phosphorus in different species of the genus Coffea based on soil properties

Samuel De Assis Silva,Julião Soares De Souza Lima

doi:10.1590/s0100-06832014000500009

Abstract

Information underlying analyses of coffee fertilization systems should consider both the soil and the nutritional status of plants. This study investigated the spatial relationship between phosphorus (P) levels in coffee plant tissues and soil chemical and physical properties. The study was performed using two arabica and one canephora coffee variety. Sampling grids were established in the areas, and the points georeferenced. The assessed properties of the soil were levels of available phosphorus (P-Mehlich), remaining phosphorus (P-rem) and particle size, and of the plant tissue, phosphorus levels (foliar P). The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and probability tests. Geostatistical and trend analyses were only performed for pairs of variables with significant linear correlation. The spatial variability for foliar P content was high for the variety Catuai and medium for the other evaluated plants. Unlike P-Mehlich, the variability in P-rem of the soil indicated the nutritional status of this nutrient in the plant.

Highlights

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for the development and productivity of all plant species, and its demand is critical for crops of agricultural interest, given the need for high yields
The importance of P for coffee cultivation is restricted to the early development stages of the plants, because, according to Silva & Lima (2012), insufficient levels of this nutrient in the plant tissue affect the absorption of other essential elements that are important protectors during other phases of crop growth and development
Interactions between P and other elements in the plant can occur during both absorption and radial transport over long distances, and in the metabolism of the element within the metabolic chains of coffee (Amaral et al, 2006)

Summary

Introduction

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for the development and productivity of all plant species, and its demand is critical for crops of agricultural interest, given the need for high yields. Reis Jr & Martinez (2002) claimed that this nutrient is the most crucial in the plantation of new crops, given its importance for the initial plant development. The importance of P for coffee cultivation is restricted to the early development stages of the plants, because, according to Silva & Lima (2012), insufficient levels of this nutrient in the plant tissue affect the absorption of other essential elements that are important protectors during other phases of crop growth and development. There is a dynamic equilibrium between the soil solid and solution phases, P retention is favored in the solid phase by the high weathering degree of soils, resulting in insufficient P concentrations in solution to meet plant requirements (Gichangi et al, 2008)

Objectives

Methods

Results