Behavior of coffee plants under different cropping systems with a focus on mitigating water scarcity

ABSTRACTSustainable cropping systems can enhance the development of young coffee plants under drought conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of coffee plants grown under different cover crops, soil conditioners, and fertilizers to reduce the effects of water scarcity. The treatments were the association of soil cover management (Urochloa decumbens, polyethylene film, and bare soil), fertilizers (conventional and controlled release), and soil conditioners (coffee husk, agricultural gypsum, water-retaining polymer, organic compost, and control). The assessments carried out were the growth, physiology, and anatomy of coffee plants and soil moisture and resistance to penetration. A multivariate analysis of the results was performed. The coffee plants grown with soil cover (Urochloa decumbens) and organic conditioners (coffee husk and organic compost) had better agronomic performance and higher soil moisture.KEYWORDS: Coffea arabica Lsoil coversoil conditionerdrought stresssustainable agriculture AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to thank the Consórcio Pesquisa Café, the INCTCafé, the FAPEMIG, CAPES, CNPq, the Coffee Sector/UFLA, ICL América do Sul and Terra de Cultivo and Hydroplan for their support in this project.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Supplementary materialSupplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2023.2278901.Additional informationFundingThis project was carried out with the support of the Consórcio Pesquisa Café, the INCTCafé, the FAPEMIG, CAPES, CNPq, the Coffee Sector/UFLA, ICL América do Sul and Terra de Cultivo and Hydroplan.