Determinants of nitrogen use efficiency in coffee crops. A review

World production of coffee (Coffea spp.) has increased in recent decades due to its growing demand. Nitrogen (N) is one the most required nutrients by crops and many cases, yield-limiting; nevertheless, a high percentage supplied N lost, generating pollution, greenhouse gases, economic losses. Given this scenario, it priority adopt practices that increase nitrogen use efficiency related capacity plants absorb produce biomass. This article provides context about NUE determining factors coffee: plant, soil, climate, management. On plant side, despite advances genetics results genotype evaluation, may be decade or more before improved varieties with EUN become available used world farming. Both physical, chemical, biological properties soil elements mainly temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, have an influence on growth processes intervene cycle NUE; however, some components these two are not fully controllable. Management determine should focus reducing losses system, increasing uptake utilization plants, maintaining productivity.