Trends for sustainability of Conilon coffee crops

Abstract

Conilon coffee production is one of the most important agricultural activities for the socio-economic development of the state of Espírito Santo, and there is a constant need to increase the competitiveness of the activity associated with a growing social and environmental concern. Thus, the search for sustainable solutions for the evolution of agribusiness that ensures the development of coffee production in Espírito Santo in the short and long term becomes essential. Throughout this text, we address the main trends and current issues spread through Conilon coffee farming in the state of Espírito Santo. A range of strategies can be explored, such as the use of improved cultivars suitable for the cropping system; the planning of crop density through the appropriate adoption of plagiotropic spacing and the number of branches per plant; the adoption of more current pruning management; the efficient management of soil fertility to meet the nutritional demand of the coffee tree; the use of water and soil conservation strategies; the adoption of technologies that increase yield; the management of fruits aiming at maintaining product quality and exploring new cultivation areas rationally. Thus, managing the coffee crop by employing updated and responsible practices properly is the key to making crops of Conilon coffee more sustainable, increasing the quality of life of the producer, ensuring the competitiveness of the activity and preserving natural resources.