In the quest to bolster crop resilience against climate change, a recent study published in the journal ‘Plants’ has uncovered promising insights into enhancing the drought tolerance of Arabica coffee plants. The research, led by Miroslava Rakocevic from the Laboratory of Crop Physiology at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, explores the potential of soil calcium silicate (Ca2SiO4) application to improve the water use efficiency and physiological performance of young coffee plants under water deficit conditions.
The study hypothesized that supplying silicon (Si) through Ca2SiO4 would maintain shoot water status and photosynthesis in coffee plants even when water is scarce. To test this, the team evaluated various morphological and physiological traits of coffee plants under different soil Ca2SiO4 applications and water availability levels.
The results were compelling. Coffee plants treated with 6000 kg Ca2SiO4 per hectare exhibited significant improvements in photosynthetic capacity under well-watered conditions. “The photosynthetic capacity of coffee plants increased with 6000 kg Ca2SiO4 ha−1 compared to the control under well-watered conditions,” Rakocevic explained. This was evident from increases in gross and net photosynthesis, light saturation point, maximum RuBisCO carboxylation rate, and other key photosynthetic parameters.
Moreover, the negative impact of water deficit on leaf gas exchange was mitigated by Ca2SiO4 application, although the instantaneous water use efficiency remained similar in both water regimes. Morphologically, coffee stem diameter increased under Ca2SiO4 application, regardless of the water regime.
The study also revealed that coffee plants are Si non-accumulators, as there were no changes in Si concentration in plant organs under Ca2SiO4 application. However, fertilized plants showed higher concentrations of calcium (Ca) in leaves and roots, and boron (B) in all plant organs compared to the control treatment.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. Coffee is a high-value crop, and drought stress can significantly impact yield and quality. By applying Ca2SiO4, farmers could potentially enhance the drought tolerance of their coffee plants, leading to more consistent yields and improved economic returns. Additionally, the study suggests that steel slag, an industrial byproduct rich in Ca2SiO4, could be used as a sustainable practice for residue recycling in agriculture.
As climate change continues to pose challenges to agriculture, innovative solutions like this could play a crucial role in shaping the future of farming. The research not only highlights the potential of Ca2SiO4 application but also opens doors for further exploration of similar strategies to improve crop resilience and sustainability.
This study, published in ‘Plants’ and led by Miroslava Rakocevic from the Laboratory of Crop Physiology at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil, offers a glimpse into the promising future of agritech and its role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture.