Improvement of the soil quality under intercropped conilon coffee (Coffea canephora P.) in the coastal tablelands of Southeast Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-hydrological and chemical properties and organic carbon stock of soil under intercropped conilon coffee (Coffea canephora P.) and in full sun in the coastal tablelands of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The treatments evaluated were coffee intercropped with rubber tree (CR) and in full sun (FS) in the area 1; coffee intercropped with papaya (CP) and in full sun (FS) in the area 2; coffee intercropped with coconut (CC), in full sun (FS), and an area of ​​native vegetation (NV) in the area 3. The physical and chemical properties of the soil and its organic carbon stocks were measured in layers of 0-0.4 m. In area 1, CR showed lower soil bulk density and temperature, and higher total porosity and macroporosity. In area 2, CP presented higher available water capacity and soil water content, better soil fertility, and lower soil temperature. In area 3, CC presented higher total porosity, available water capacity, and soil organic carbon stock. NV presented physical and chemical properties of soil that limit the agricultural development of the crops. Conilon coffee plantations can improve the physical-hydrological and chemical quality of soil compared to cultivation in full sun and native vegetation in the coastal tablelands, which varies according to the intercropped culture.