Water retainer polymer in coffee plants deployment under different levels of irrigation

The use of water-retaining polymers may be a feasible alternative in regions with low water availability, as they has enhance the performance of coffee plants with more favorable anatomical characteristics to make physiological processes more efficient. However, the advantages of such use have been scarcely reported. Here, we studied the feasibility of using a water-retaining polymer to optimize irrigation water use during the establishment of a coffee plantation. A randomized block design was used in a factorial scheme (4 × 2) with three replications for a total of 24 experimental plots, each consisting of four pots, with one plant per unit. The experiment was installed in a greenhouse at the Coffee Science Department of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with four levels of irrigation (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of soil water at field capacity), with or without addition of the water-retaining polymer. Growth variables evaluated included: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot and root dry weights, root volume and area. Additionally, gas exchange, leaf water potential, and leaf anatomy were analyzed. The use of water-retaining polymer during establishment of the coffee plantation ensured sufficient water supply, thus guaranteeing plant anatomical and physiological functionality and, consequently, a healthy, vigorous growth. Key words: Coffea arabica L.; Seedling establishment; Soil conditioner; Soil water availability; Water deficit.