Soil Chemical Attributes, Nutrient Levels, and Yield of Arabica Coffee under Limestone Managements

Soil pH correction and balanced fertilization are essential for coffee production and drink quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate strategies of soil limestone management to Arabica coffee plant development and yield. Five limestone management strategies were studied [T1: 100% limestone, relative power of total neutralization (RPTN) 100%, applied in September; T2: 50% in September + 50% in January (RPTN 100%); T3: 50% in September + 50% in January (RPTN 140%); T4: 100% (RPTN 100%) in September + 100% (RPTN 140%) in January; T5: 100% (RPTN 140%) in September + 100% (RPTN 100%) in January] in a 25-years-old commercial Arabica coffee area. Soil chemical attributes, plant nutritional status, biometrics, and yield were evaluated 120 days after treatment's application. Soil Ca and Mg levels and base saturation increased for T5 limestone management strategy. The improvements in soil fertility did not alter the coffee leaf contents of the macronutrients but increased the micronutrient levels after the second limestone application. Split limestone application and mixing limestone with different RPTNs (140 before 100%) improved soil Ca, Mg, base saturation, and coffee cherry production. The sole application of the recommended limestone dose (RPTN 100%) can reduce responses compared to more complex limestone managements.