Viabilidade técnica e econômica da irrigação localizada do cafeeiro, nas condições climáticas do Planalto de Araxá, MG

: In the region of Araxa highlands, the economical production of coffee is traditionally made without irrigation. Notwithstanding in recent years, with climate change, water deficit of 150 mm have been verified, affecting the vegetative and productive development of the culture. Within this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate supplementary irrigation to increase production and profitability of the coffee grown in the highlands of Araxa, compared to a non-irrigated and irrigated cultivation throughout the year. The work was implemented in Araxa, Minas Gerais in 2006 and carried out throughout the period of nine years. Different periods of water stress (from April to November) were evaluated, compared with irrigation throughout the year and the witness. After 6 consecutive harvests, it can be concluded that supplemental irrigation promoted an increased productivity in the coffee grown under the conditions of the Araxa Plateau, especially in years of drought. With regard to economic performance, the process of irrigation applied throughout the year promoted profits of 279% (R$/ha year-1) compared to the treatment without irrigation.