Characterization of the Transverse Distribution of Fertilizer in Coffee Plantations

Abstract

Considering the impact of fertilizers on coffee production costs, the search for greater efficiency in the use of these inputs has an important role. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the transverse distribution of fertilizer by a centrifugal spreader in a coffee plantation and to compare two operating modes: fertilizer application on one side (FA1), or both sides (FA2) of the coffee plants. In addition, three doses (200, 300 and 400 kg ha−1) of monoammonium phosphate and three spreading disk rotation speeds (240, 375 and 750 rpm) were tested. To characterize fertilizer distribution profiles, collectors were placed under the canopy of coffee plants, and the collected fertilizer was weighed. From the data obtained, distribution profile histograms were constructed, and coefficients of variation were calculated for each treatment. Distribution profiles with higher uniformity were related to the morphologic characteristics of the coffee plants. Regarding the operating modes evaluated, FA1 presented better results with a disk rotation speed of 750 rpm (FA1-W3); FA2 produced the best results with a disk rotation speed of 240 rpm. By relating these results with information on root morphology, FA1-W3 was found to be the most appropriate application method.

Positioning Accuracy Comparison of GNSS Receivers Used for Mapping and Guidance of Agricultural Machines

“…In many cases, it is an all-in-one system, including GNSS receiver and monitor, while it is sometimes a more complex system consisting of a GNSS receiver, monitor, actuator, controller for spatially variable rate crop input application, etc. [19][20][21][22]. A low-cost solution available online for building up a homemade automatic guidance system is offered by AgOpenGPS project, which provides the outlines and designs of the hardware to be developed, as well as the software that is distributed together with GNU (General Public) license.…”

Advances in Precision Coffee Growing Research: A Bibliometric Review

“…The insertion of efficient precision coffee techniques in coffee crops can be found in many studies. When evaluating the transversal application of variable rate fertilizers, Andrade et al [13] defined optimal lateral fertilizer distribution, and created an efficient and practical method for this type of analysis. Mapping plant attributes in a coffee crop, Ferraz et al [14], demonstrated the importance of this mapping category for coffee crop management.…”