Hydrogel: A Biodegradable Soil Amendment for Drought Management in CoffeePlants attecled by drought limit vegetative growth, show floral abnormalities and poor fruit set resulting in reduced yield.

摘要

The coffee tracts in South India usually experience drought period of 3-4 months from December onwards. Sometimes, North-East monsoon tapers off by the end of October itself leading to extension of dry period. The prolonged drought limits coffee production even in well-managed estates. It also affects successful establishment of young coffee. Plants affected by drought limit vegetative growth, show floral abnormalities and poor fruit set resulting in reduced yield. Therefore, drought tolerance is animportant aspect of coffee productivity. These limitations are expected to become increasingly important in several coffee growing regions due to the climatic fluctuations and water shortage. Implementation of proper water management practices such as micro-irrigation, fertigation, regulation of soil moisture availability through supplementation of hydrogel etc., are considered as best way to manage moisture stress during the drought period to improve soil moisture as well as water holding capacity of coffee soils.