Organic compost and bio-fertilizer in coffee nutrition in organic system

Abstract

The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the coffee sector of the Agriculture Dept. of the Federal University of Lavras, from March 15th to October 4th, 2003, to evaluate fertilization with an organic compost associated to the leaf application of the “supermagro” bio-fertilizer on coffee (Coffea arabica L. cv. Topázio MG-1190) growth and development. A randomized block design with a 5 x 5 + 3 factorial arrangement with four repetitions was used, using one plant per plot. The first factor used was organic compost rate/pot (110, 330, 550, 770 and 990 g per plot). The second was the bio-fertilizer “supermagro” applied monthly in 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24% concentration. Additional treatments used were organic, organic + mineral and mineral fertilizer soil application. As the compound rate increased, the N, K and Mg leaf content also increased, while P, Ca, B, Cu, Fe and Mn leaf contents decreased. The biofertilizer used was efficient in supplying the plants with Mg, B and Cu.