Cultivo De Yacón Intercalado Con Coffea Canéfora

Abstract

<strong>Background. T</strong>he yacon cultivation in Brazil occurs in several states, among them Espírito Santo. <strong>Objective</strong>. To evaluate the growth and yield of yacon cultivated in a consortium with conilon coffee, from three spacings between plants. <strong>Methodology.</strong> The three treatments, corresponding to three yacon plant spacings (spacings between plants of 20, 40 and 60 cm). The yacon were planted in a center line between the lines of the coffee tree. Evaluations were made regarding the vegetative development (plant height, number of leaves, number of stems and leaf area); temperature and moisture soil; accumulation of dry mass, productivity and gross income. <strong>Results.</strong> The adaptability of yacon in intercropped systems was demostrated, however, the final yield will depend on the spacing adopted for yacon planting. Despite the lower individual production (0.281 kg plant<sup>-1</sup>), the higher productivity (4687.75 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and, consequently, the higher gross income (U$ 1.464,75) were observed with the spacing of 20 cm between plants. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The intercropping of yacon with conilon coffee can be a viable strategy for the introduction of the crop in the region, meaning an income to the family farmer