YACON CROPS INTERCALATED WITH COFFEA CANÉFORA

Abstract

Background. The yacon cultivation in Brazil occurs in several states, among them Espírito Santo. Objective. To evaluate the growth and yield of yacon cultivated in a consortium with conilon coffee, from three spacings between plants. Methodology. The three treatments, corresponding to three yacon plant spacings (spacings between plants of 20, 40 and 60 cm). The yacon were planted in a center line between the lines of the coffee tree. Evaluations were made regarding the vegetative development (plant height, number of leaves, number of stems and leaf area); temperature and moisture soil; accumulation of dry mass, productivity and gross income. Results. The adaptability of yacon in intercropped systems was demostrated, however, the final yield will depend on the spacing adopted for yacon planting. Despite the lower individual production (0.281 kg plant-1), the higher productivity (4687.75 kg ha-1) and, consequently, the higher gross income (U$ 1.464,75) were observed with the spacing of 20 cm between plants. Conclusion. The intercropping of yacon with conilon coffee can be a viable strategy for the introduction of the crop in the region, meaning an income to the family farmer