Ráfia como alternativa de cobertura do solo na linha de plantio do cafeeiro

Abstract

The use of coverings in the coffee planting row is an alternative for weed control and, consequently, promotes improvements in the soil's physical and water-related attributes. This aims to create favorable conditions for root development, reduce thermal amplitude and water evaporation, and increase the soil's water retention capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the physical, water-related, and biological parameters of the soil in response to raffia coverage and its implications for the root morpheme. The IPR 100 cultivar was planted in January 2020, with a spacing of 3.8 m between rows and 0.6 m between plants. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks, with five blocks and four treatments: raffia without spacing, raffia with 0.7 m spacing, raffia with 0.5 m spacing, and no plastic covering. Root system morphometric parameters were evaluated in June 2023 and April 2024, and soil physical and biological attributes were assessed in April 2024. The use of raffia at different spacings did not influence the physical and biological characteristics or the coffee root system compared to the control. The coffee roots were predominantly located between plants and in the 0–0.2 m depth layer.