Cutting-Edge Technology Using Blended Controlled-Release Fertilizers and Conventional Monoammonium Phosphate as a Strategy to Improve Phosphorus Coffee Nutrition During the Coffee Development Phase

Abstract

Controlled-release fertilizers contain polymeric coatings that modify the dynamics of phosphorus (P) release in soil. This study aimed to characterize P release from physical mixtures between conventional and controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), quantify soil P availability, and assess agronomic responses of coffee plants during the establishment phase. Two main types of P fertilizer were evaluated: conventional monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and a blend (physical mixture of conventional MAP and controlled-release P fertilizers). Both fertilizers were applied at 0, 134, 268, and 403 kg ha−1 of P2O5. Our findings revealed a blend longevity of 3 and 6 months. P fertilization contributed to an increase in leaf area (1134.7 cm2 plant−1) and shoot biomass (602.8 kg ha−1) and raised P in the soil (0.061 mg dm−3 per kg of P2O5 applied). P accumulation in the coffee plants ranged between 3 and 4 kg ha−1. Other macronutrient accumulations in aerial parts were of the following ranges (in kg ha−1): 47–60 for N, 36–46 for K, 18–22 for Ca, 5–7 for Mg, and 3–4 for S. Micronutrients accumulated (in g ha−1): 454–657 for Fe; 117–160 for B; 117–149 for Mn; 58–71 for Cu; and 34–43 for Zn. Up to 74% of the nutrients were distributed in the leaves. We concluded that the use of blends did not impose any limitation on P nutrition for coffee plants and led to biomass gains (18.9%) in plagiotropic branches. P fertilization proved essential for supporting the initial growth of coffee plants and increasing coffee leaf area and P levels in the soil and promotes adequate levels of P accumulation in plants, leading to improvements in coffee crop nutrition in the establishment phase.