Importance of quality for economically profitable coffee farming

The main objectives of coffee growers, in general, are high productivity and crops with superior characteristics to offer quality beans that bring buyers closer to the national and international market. Produced by more than 75 countries, coffee is a demanding plant, where nutrients play a critical role in obtaining yields and quality of the beverage. Despite being considered a risk crop due to its propensity to climate variability and susceptibility to pests and diseases, coffee has conquered the world.

Data from the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé), released in October, reveal that coffee exports in Brazil (green, soluble, roasted and ground) totaled 3,8 million 60-kilo bags in September, 8,6 % more than a year before, and higher volume recorded in the same period. To maintain the pace, an effort is needed to continue raising the grain quality standard. The plant harvested from the farm must have all the nutrients in a balanced way and at the right time and, to this end, it is vital to choose nutritional programs that meet the needs and add quality to the final product, which will also result in increased productivity of the farm.

In this context, it is essential, in addition to balanced nutrition, that crop management is well done with pruning, pest, disease and weed control, always taking into account the social, environmental and economic pillars. Furthermore, uniform maturation is essential to obtain more quality fruits at harvest time. It is noteworthy that, to provide nutrition in a balanced way, all nutrients must be observed, both in the analysis of soil and leaves and, supply those missing according to the plant's demand and in moments of "peaks", when the plant needs certain nutrients more. Producers are usually concerned about providing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and often forget about other nutrients such as: calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron and zinc. A fertilizer to bring the essential balance to the crop must deliver all the nutrients in a soluble form and in the proportion that the crop needs.

Among the fertilizers available on the market, there are several options with great differences in quality, both in nutritional source and in the technology applied, as they promote better efficiency in the supply of nutrients throughout the crop cycle. Regarding nitrogen, for example, there are alternatives that are readily assimilable with nitric and ammoniacal nitrogen. This way, there is a quick response from plants to fertilization and a sustainable supply of the element with lower risks of losses. What the farmer must keep in mind, above all, is that, to reach differentiated markets, his coffee must meet market expectations and for this to happen, special care is needed with the crop, from fertilization to harvesting and, in addition, Therefore, take special care with the coffee after harvest.

For nutrition to be truly efficient and balanced, four pillars must be minimally observed: correct location (where to apply the fertilizer), time (when to apply), source (what to apply) and right quantity (how much to apply). Therefore, it is important to reinforce that soil analysis is essential to answer these questions more assertively. Pay attention to the plant's needs and always maintain a balance in the use of nutrients, as it is these supplies that will bring the expected results.

Kaio Dias, coffee specialist at Yara Brasil