Crurves of fruit nutrient accumulation are tools for estimating the peaks of nutrient demand and the nutrient export form the soil. The accumulation of dry matter (DM), Ca, Mg and S was studied in fruits of Coffea arabica (L.) in the period between anthesis and maturation at four altitudes of cultivation, as well as the variation in the leaf content of the elements in productive branches. The experiment consisted of the coffee variety Catuaí IAC 44 cultivated at 720, 800, 880 and 950 m above sea level (asl), in Martins Soares-MG. The experimental design was entirely randomized with tree replications using a split-plot in time scheme. The height asl of the crop influenced the coffee reproduction cycle, particularly the time required for fruit formation. In the fast expansion stage the percentages of DM and Ca, Mg and S accumulation were higher in trees grown at 720 m than at 950 m. The DMAR (daily maximum accumulation rate) in the grain filling stage tended to be delayed at higher altitudes. Nutrient accumulation in the fruits as well as grain filling are more critical at lower altitudes since these processes have to occur in a shorter time. In general, the fruit/leaf competition for the partitioning of Ca, Mg and S was higher at 720 m.
plant physiology; mineral nutrition; temperature
