Efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers in newly implanted coffee crops

A vigorous and productive coffee crop is the result of adequate nutritional management from its young stage. High yields demand greater investments, especially in fertilization, making nutritional management indispensable. Hence, this study evaluated the growth of coffee crop formation, soil acidity and economic aspects using different fertilizers. The experiment was conducted at Pedra Bela site, Ouro Fino, Brazil, between November 2022 and June 2023. Experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with nine treatments and four replications, totaling 36 plots. Treatments included conventional urea, conventional urea via drench, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, urea + S0 + polymers, urea + NBPT, urea formaldehyde, organomineral CPMULT and coffee straw. Plant height, stem diameter, number of plagiotropic branches, defoliation percentage, soil pH, and costs were the variables evaluated. Treatment with ammonium nitrate achieved superior results in terms of pH growth within the range considered ideal for coffee crops compared with the other treatments. It also resulted in the highest number of plagiotropic branches, less defoliation and was the most cost-effective. As for soil acidity, ammonium nitrate and organomineral fertilizers promoted values within what is considered ideal for coffee cultivation.