Technical and Economic Feasibility of Controlled Release Fertilizer in Production Coffee Crop

Objective: To evaluate the performance of a controlled release fertilizer on the vegetative and productive development of coffee trees in production. Theoretical framework: The use of slow, controlled release fertilizers or smart fertilizers can allow the reduction of fertilization operations, in addition to being characterized by the availability of nutrients to plants at the correct time, with the consequent reduction in maintenance expenses, labor of work and fuel. Method: A trial was conducted in Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais, during 4 harvests, to evaluate the performance of a slow-release fertilizer on the vegetative and productive development of coffee trees in production, as well as the impacts of this technology on the scaling of mechanized operations in property. Results and conclusion: With the use of slow-release fertilizers, it was concluded that: slow-release potassium nutrition reduces the competitive effect of potassium with Calcium and Magnesium; productivity gains are obtained when compared to the use of conventional fertilizers; there is an increase in coffee yield; at a rate of 80% of the dose, there are advantages in the nutrition of the coffee plant, especially in old crops; There is a reduction in the number of machine hours worked in the agricultural year with a consequent reduction in production costs, making it possible to redistribute mechanized operations, reducing labor and the volume of operations in the months that demand the most services. Implications of the research: With the results of the research, over two biennia, it was possible to identify the positive factors of using slow-release fertilizers for coffee trees, both in biometric and productive aspects and in the optimization of mechanized operations in a coffee farm cultivated in the cerrado miner. Originality/value: a better understanding of the effects of using slow-release fertilizer technology to increase productivity and better economic and environmental performance in coffee agribusiness.