This study had the objective of evaluating growth of coffee trees (cv. Rubi-MG1192) submitted to different irrigation regimes (not irrigated and irrigated at soil water tension of 20 and 100 kPa) and two planting densities: 2 500 plants/ha (4x1m spacing) and 10 000 plants/ha (2 x 0.5m spacing). The experiment was carried out in an experimental area of the Agronomy Department of the Federal University of Lavras/MG, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design, with split plots and four replications, was used. Planting density was kept in the plots and irrigation regime in the sub plots. Parameters used to describe coffee tree growth were: plant height, tree canopy diameter, and number of plagiotropic branches per plant. Measurements were taken every three months, during 990 days (two years eight months and 20 days). Plant height versus time and tree canopy diameter versus time relationships showed an asymptotic behavior, while number of plagiotropic branches versus time relationship was linear. Irrigated plants were taller with greater canopy diameter and higher number of plagiotropic branches per plant than not irrigated plants. Planting densities did not affect canopy tree diameter however, under the highest planting density, taller plants with the higher number of plagiotropic branches were observed.
Irrigation; coffee; plant density
