Abstract
Inconclusive responses of the adult coffee plant to phosphorus fertilization have been reported in the literature, especially when dealing with application of this nutrient in high density planting systems. Thus, this study was carried out for the purpose of assessing the response of adult coffee plants at high planting density in full production (in regard to yield and their biennial cycle/stability) to the addition of different sources and application rates of P in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The experiment with coffee plants of the Catucaí Amarelo 6/30 variety was carried out over four growing seasons. Treatments were arranged in a full factorial design [(4 × 3) + 1] consisting of four P sources (monoammonium phosphate, simple superphosphate, natural reactive rock phosphate from Algeria (Djebel-Onk), and FH 550®), three P rates (100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1 year-1 of P2O5), and an additional treatment without application of the nutrient (0 kg ha-¹ year-¹). A randomized block experimental design was used with three replicates. The four seasons were evaluated as subplots in a split plot experiment. The P contents in soil and leaves increased with increased rates of P application. However, there was no effect from P application on the yield and its biennial cycle/stability regardless of the source used over the four seasons assessed.
Highlights
The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is among the most highly studied perennial crops in Brazil, which is the largest worldwide exporter of the product, with particular importance for the state of Minas Gerais, where 50 % of Brazilian coffee is produced (CONAB, 2010)
Among the traditional coffee-producing mesoregions, the Zona da Mata is responsible for around 21 % of production in the State of Minas Gerais (Emater, 2009). This region is characterized by highly rolling topography and, predominantly, family farms, in contrast with the newer coffee-growing regions in the State, such as the Cerrado (Brazilian tropical savanna) regions, where, in general, the mechanization of production processes and large size of agricultural areas facilitate large scale systems and ensure greater competitiveness in this sector
Treatments were arranged in a full factorial design with an additional treatment [(4 × 3) + 1] composed of four sources of P [monoammonium phosphate (48 % of P2O5), simple superphosphate (18 % of P2O5), natural reactive rock phosphate from Algeria (29 % of total P2O5 and 9 % soluble in citric acid), and FH 550® (24 % of total P2O5 and 14 % soluble in citric acid)], three application rates of P (100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1 year-1 of total P2O5); and an additional treatment, without application of the nutrient (0 kg ha-1 year-1 of total P2O5)
Summary
The coffee plant (Coffea arabica) is among the most highly studied perennial crops in Brazil, which is the largest worldwide exporter of the product, with particular importance for the state of Minas Gerais, where 50 % of Brazilian coffee is produced (CONAB, 2010). Among the traditional coffee-producing mesoregions, the Zona da Mata is responsible for around 21 % of production in the State of Minas Gerais (Emater, 2009) This region is characterized by highly rolling topography and, predominantly, family farms, in contrast with the newer coffee-growing regions in the State, such as the Cerrado (Brazilian tropical savanna) regions, where, in general, the mechanization of production processes and large size of agricultural areas facilitate large scale systems and ensure greater competitiveness in this sector. The high density planting system, characterized by plant population densities from 5,000 to 10,000 plants ha-1, stands out as an alternative for improving the viability of coffee growing (Nacif, 1997), especially on highly rolling land and small properties This system, when adequately managed, allows intensification in the use of agricultural areas, with greater yields and better efficiency in the use of labor and inputs
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