Irrigation and nutrition management in pre-flowering coffee plants increases profitability and reduces operational costs

Coffee flowering is one of the most important phases that demands great attention from producers. Based on the flowering period, the productive potential of the crop is determined. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to some points such as the management of irrigation and fertilization in the period before flowering.

The coffee tree must have balanced nutrition in pre-flowering, as this phase until the grains are filled is the time when the plant demands the greatest amount of nutrients. At this stage, nutrients must be readily available. Balanced nutrition during this period also helps resistance to diseases such as Phoma leaf spot, halo leaf spot, rust, among others.

Netafim has nutri-irrigation technology, which allows nutrients to be delivered promptly and directly into the “plants’ mouths”, which guarantees greater utilization. Furthermore, and most importantly, by meeting demand during this period, it is possible to increase profitability and reduce operating costs. With this, the coffee grower will have greater safety and quality in fertilizer applications, providing better flowering set.

Irrigation, when well managed in pre-flowering, can bring numerous benefits in terms of flowering uniformity and, consequently, fruit quality. The more uniform the flowering, the higher the productivity and final quality, increasing the profitability of the harvest.     

Some management practices have been adopted for irrigated coffee farming, such as deficit irrigation, with the purpose of supplying water in a smaller volume, keeping the plant hydrated, but not stressed. This allows floral synchronization, preventing yellowing and loss of leaves. It is important to highlight that it is essential to monitor the climate (relative air humidity, temperature, radiation), plant behavior and soil moisture using a tensiometer and soil sensors, as all these factors influence irrigation management and time of flowering.

Through drip irrigation, linked to nutri-irrigation technology, it is possible to enhance flowering uniformity and obtain superior harvest quality. Nutrirrigation technology allows coffee growers to supply nutrients every time the irrigation system is activated, making it possible to meet nutritional demand according to each phenological phase of cultivation.

Gabriela Terra, Netafim Agronomic Specialist