20 Nov 2009

Effect of Potassium and Magnesium Sources on Coffee Yield and Fruit Quality in Brazil


Brazil has been the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee for at least 150 years. However, average yields remain low at 900 kg/ha. Potassium fertilization is one of the main factors influencing the nutritional status of coffee plants as well as the chemical composition of coffee beans. Previous studies show that yield and coffee bean size can increase proportionally with an increase in the K supply to plants. Also, plants fertilized with potassium magnesium sulfate, or K-Mag®, (22% K2O and 11% MgO) have been reported to produce beans with better beverage quality as compared to plants fertilized with only potassium chloride (KCl). The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency and bean quality as influenced by KCl and K-Mag® fertilization. Two coffee varieties (‘Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62’ and ‘Catuaí Vermelho 144’) were studied within two major coffee-producing areas (Mococa, São Paulo and Patrocínio, Minas Gerais).
Effect of Potassium and Magnesium Sources on Coffee Yield and Fruit Quality in Brazil Brazil 48.pdf