Coffee yield response to available water is a major factor on yield prediction and irrigation feasibility. In this way, results of irrigated (Yi) and non irrigated (Yni) yields of a 16-year field experiment with coffee plants carried out in Campinas, State of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed as relative differences of (Yi-Yni)/Yi and correlated to the relative difference of actual evapotranspiration, (ETRi-ETRni)/ETRi. By suppressing each month of the year in that correlation, it was observed that water deficit occurred in April, May, June and July were important to yield analysis. It was possible to adjust the sensitivity coefficient (Ky) or the yield response factor to water deficit, as recommended by FAO. The annual yield response factor (Ky) showed a linear relation to plant age indicating an increase of plant sensitivity to water stress along the years.
coffee; water deficit; irrigation; Ky
