YELLOW PASSION FRUIT PLANT NUTRITIONAL DIAGNOSIS AT DIFFERENT PHENOLOGICAL STAGES BY THE DIAGNOSIS AND RECOMMENDATION INTEGRATED SYSTEM METHOD

This work was performed in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, with the objective to evaluate the nutritional status of yellow passion fruit plants along different phenological stages, using the DRIS method. Fifty-four passion fruit cultivated areas with an annual yield productivity ranging from 6.95 to 33.8 t ha^?1 year^?1 and average productivity of 16.9 t ha^?1 year^?1 were selected in the region. The contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and boron (B) were evaluated. The reference standards were established (mean and variation coefficient) for the values of the nutrient concentration ratios, two by two, on samples from high yield productivity plantations and analyzed by the DRIS index of nutrients for the medium and low yield productivity areas. The established standards differed according with the phenological stage of the culture. In a general way, the mean content of the evaluated nutrients did not differed between the two productivity levels into each phonological stage. There was a difference for the Nutritional Limitation Order between different phenological stages of yellow passion fruit plants. The most negative DRIS indexes and the highest absolute values for the Average Nutritional Balance on yellow passion fruit plants in the region, were found for potassium in May, phosphorus in October and iron in January.     

Foliar Diagnosis Indexes for Corn by the Methods Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Nutritional Composition (CND)

Foliar analysis has been an important method for diagnosing the nutritional status of plants. Therefore, this work aimed to determine benchmarks (norms) for interpretation of results of foliar analysis by the methods of Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Nutritional Composition (CND) and to determine the order of nutritional limitation and the potential response to fertilization (PRA) of corn cultivations. Leaves were sampled and the productivity was determined in 64 different sites in the crop season 2011/2012, and 66 sites were sampled in the crop season 2012/2013. The yields were divided in two sub-populations: high productivity (equal or above 11.795 kg ha^?1) and low productivity (less than 11.795 kg ha^?1). The normal ranges obtained by DRIS and CND methods were similar. The amplitudes of ideal ranges were smaller when compared to the sufficiency ranges found in the Brazilian literature. The development of benchmarks (norms) at regional levels increases reliability in diagnoses.     

DIAGNOSIS AND RECOMMENDATION INTEGRATED SYSTEM (DRIS) FOR EVALUATING NUTRIENT STATUS OF COTTON (GOSSIPIUM HIRSUTUM)

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) approach was employed to monitor the nutrient status of cotton (Gossipium hirsutum) in southwestern districts of Punjab, North-West India. DRIS norms for macro, secondary and micro nutrients in cotton plant are developed. Considering these DRIS norms, the most limiting nutrient for cotton plant in the region is identified along with the order in which the other nutrients become limiting. The DRIS approach indicated that 11, 3, 8, 5, 2, 4, 2, 3, 6 and 2 percent of the total cotton leaf samples collected were low in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), respectively. Leaf tissues of cotton plant were also found to contain high to excessive content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn Zn and Cu in 11, 7, 15, 19, 25, 18, 66, 33, 9 and 25 percent samples, respectively. DRIS derived sufficiency concentration ranges obtained from survey of cotton fields in this region were 2.22 to 5.20% N, 0.20 to 0.47% P, 1.05 to 2.14% K, 1.66 to 2.86% Ca, 0.34 to 0.57% Mg, 0.65 to 1.11% S, 106 to 172 mg kg^?1 Fe, 35 to 68 mg kg^?1 Mn, 18 to 33 mg kg^?1 Zn, and 5 to 8 mg kg^?1 Cu. The results elucidate that DRIS technique can be used for macro, secondary and micro nutrients indexing of cotton crop irrespective of its cultivar.     

Diagnostic Leaf Nutrient Norms and Identification of Yield-Limiting Nutrients of Mango in Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

The leaf nutritional status of mango orchards was assessed using diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). The DRIS norms, which showed higher variance and lower coefficients of variation, are found to have greater diagnostic precision. As per DRIS indices, a relative deficiency for magnesium, zinc, and boron corresponding to relative sufficiency for calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium was detected in 9-year-old mango orchards. For the younger orchards (6–7 year old), the order of requirement of nutrients was found to be calcium > sulfur > potassium > boron > nitrogen > phosphorus > magnesium > zinc. Boron was found as the most yield-limiting elements in all age group of plants. When the DRIS indices were compared on the basis of soil pH, calcium and magnesium were most yield-limiting nutrients below pH 5.5, while nitrogen, zinc, and boron were found to be most limiting above pH 5.5.     

Preliminary Norms for DRIS to Fertigate Ornamental Shrubs

ABSTRACT

Preliminary norms for foliar tissue were developed for laurustine (Viburnum tinus L.), tobir (Pittosporum tobira Thumb.) and strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) for its use in the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). These norms were generated from high quality plants grown in hydroponic cultures. The values were those of foliar tissues from two growing assays where the total (N) and (NO₃ ^?/NH₄ ⁺) ratio were optimized. These norms were applied to perform DRIS in plants grown in a mix of white peat and vermiculite (75:25 v:v). Nutrient reference levels obtained from hydroponic cultures were appropriate to be used as DRIS norms for these species, because DRIS indexes reflected the nutritive status of these species grown in a fertigated system. These results suggest the need to broaden the range of reference values to include the fertigation reference levels. DRIS detects the nutrient limitations as a consequence of the nutrient imbalance caused by the pH and nutrient concentration in the substrate solution. Therefore, DRIS is an adequate method of diagnosis and can be used to adjust the nutrient solution composition and to improve the nutritional status for these species.     

SUGARCANE NUTRITIONAL DIAGNOSIS WITH DRIS NORMS ESTABLISHED IN BRAZIL,SOUTH AFRICA,AND THE UNITED STATES

ABSTRACT

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) approach evaluates plant nutritional status. The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System is based on a comparison of crop nutrient ratios with optimum values from a high-yielding group (DRIS norms). Several researchers affirm that once DRIS norms based on foliar composition have been developed for a given crop, they are universal and applicable to that particular crop grown at any place and at any stage of its development. But different diagnoses with DRIS norms established for the same crop but under different growth conditions have been found. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the confidence intervals of three DRIS norms of sugarcane crop, (ii) to compare sugarcane nutritional diagnosis with three DRIS norms, and (iii) to evaluate the universal use of DRIS norms in sugarcane crop. Sugarcane DRIS norms were tested. Means for nitrogen (N)/phosphorus (P), N/calcium (Ca), N/copper (Cu), manganese (Mn)/N, N/zinc (Zn), Ca/P, Cu/P, Mn/P, Zn/P, potassium (K)/Ca, K/Cu, Mn/K, Zn/K, Mn/Ca, Zn/Ca, Cu/magnesium (Mg), Mn/Mg, Zn/Mg, Mn/Cu, Zn/Cu, and Zn/Mn of these three DRIS norms were significantly different (?p<0.05). The sugarcane nutritional diagnosis derived from norms published in the literature was different. These three DRIS norms were not universally applicable to the sugarcane crop. Therefore, in the absence of DRIS norms locally calibrated, norms developed under one set of conditions only should be applied to another if the nutrient concentrations of high-yielding plants from these different set of conditions are similar.     

DRIS and geostatistics indices for nutritional diagnosis and enhanced yield of fertirrigated acai palm

Abstract

Information about Açaí palm (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) nutrition, that gives support for yield increase is sparse. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of fertigated Açaí palm by the Index called Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), as well as the spatial variability of this Index and its productivity. We achieved a sampling of 80 geo-referenced points in an Açaí palm commercial crop area. Then we assessed the yield and contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The DRIS evaluation indicated that the frequency of nutrients in suitable status was N?>?S?>?Zn?>?B>Fe?>?K>Ca?>?Mg?>?P>Mn?>?Cu, in deficiency was Mn?>?Ca >?B>Cu?>?Mg?>?Fe?>?K?>?P?>?S>Zn?>?N, and in excess was P?>?Cu?>?Mg?> K?>?N?=?Zn?>?Fe?>?Ca?>?S?=?B?>?Mn. The nutrients N and S were well balanced, whereas Mn, Ca and B were the nutrients with the highest frequency of deficiency. The sampling points were close enough to detect the spatial variability of DRIS Index. Thus, it was possible to observe the patterns for the nutritional deficiencies, occurring at the final part of the irrigation, as well as the variability of the Açaí palm yield. The spatial variability of the DRIS Index was efficient to indicate the points in which fittings in the fertilization doses are required.     

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System Norms,Sufficiency Range,and Nutritional Evaluation of Arabian Coffee in Two Sampling Periods

ABSTRACT

The objective of this work was to establish and compare Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms with the sufficiency range approach, and apply these methods on nutritional diagnosis of Arabian coffee, in field samples collected in summer and winter in Southern Brazil. DRIS norms and sufficiency range were established in groves with average biennial yield equal or above 3000 kg ha^{? 1}. The “t” test was used to verify the differences between the sufficiency range and the DRIS norms. The foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) were higher in summer, and iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in winter. The reference values should be specific for the period of the year. There were differences in the foliar nutritional diagnosis, between the DRIS method and the sufficiency range approach. In samples during the summer analyzed with DRIS, copper (Cu), S, potassium (K), and zinc (Zn) were considered more limited nutrients and Mn, S, K, and calcium (Ca) when the sufficiency range was used.     

Avocado rootstock influences scion leaf mineral content

ABSTRACT

To test the influence of avocado rootstocks on the scion leaf ionome, the nutritional status of avocado cultivars Hass and Ettinger grafted onto 15 rootstocks was compared over 3 years. The rootstocks were of different genetic origins (West Indian or Mexican) and were clonally or reproductively propagated. The trees were grown in a high-density orchard, and were continually fertigated as is common in modern avocado orchards. Leaf mineral composition was analysed and found to be correlated with crop load. ‘Hass’ leaves had significantly higher levels of B, Ca, Mg, Na, P and K than ‘Ettinger’ leaves. Rootstocks of Mexican origin produced higher foliar Cl levels, but lower levels of Mg and Mn. Rootstocks grown from seedlings conferred higher foliar K and lower B, Ca and Mg. The results demonstrate that avocado rootstocks affect the nutritional status of the tree, by a differential mineral transport, which is indicated by the scion leaf ionome.     

DIAGNOSIS AND RECOMMENDATION INTEGRATED SYSTEM APPROACH FOR NITROGEN,PHOSPHORUS, POTASSIUM,AND ZINC FOLIAR DIAGNOSTIC NORMS FOR AONLA IN CENTRAL INDO-GANGETIC PLAINS

A survey was conducted for the nutritional status of aonla orchards in the state of Uttar Pradesh lying in Central Indo-Gangetic plains. Preliminary diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) norms were established for different nutrient ratios and used to compute the DRIS indices, which assessed the nutrient balance and order of limitations to yield. Maximum fruit yield of 40.2 kg plant^?1 was recorded for the plants at the age group of 10–15 years and lowest yield was recorded 28.3 kg plant^?1 in the age of above 20 years. Nutrient sufficiency ranges for aonla derived from DRIS norms were 1.30– 1.64, 0.054–0.092, 0.40–0.64%, and 32.4–45.9 ppm for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn), respectively. On the basis of these sufficiency ranges 33, 51, 47, and 46% of samples were found sufficient whereas 34, 22, 18 and 27% of samples were low and 26, 8, 1 and 17% deficient in N, P, K, and Zn, respectively. When compared age wise, a relative deficiency for N, P, and K corresponding to relative sufficiency for Zn was detected by DRIS technique for the plants above the age group of 15 onwards. For the younger orchards (5yrs old) a relative deficiency of N, Zn, and K corresponding to the relative sufficiency of P was detected. Nitrogen was found most limiting elements in all age group of plant. When the DRIS indices were compared on basis of soil pH, Zn and K was found to be relatively lesser in order of requirement than N and P.     

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Guava Seedlings using Preliminary DRIS Norms and Sufficiency Ranges

The objective of this work was to propose preliminary Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms and derive critical levels and nutrient sufficiency ranges in the leaves of guava plants in commercial nursery conditions. Sixty-eight leaf samples were evaluated from fertilization trials with seedlings. In the low-yield subpopulation (84% of the population), the limiting nutrients by deficiency in descending order were nitrogen (N)> copper (Cu)>phosphorus (P) = potassium (K)> manganese (Mn)> iron (Fe) = zinc (Zn)> sulfur (S)> boron (B) = magnesium (Mg)> calcium (Ca), and the limiting ones by excess in descending order were B > Ca > Fe > Mn > S > Mg > Cu > P > Zn > N = K. The ranges of the appropriate DRIS indices were 24 to 28, 2.4 to 3.1, 21 to 29, 6 to 8, 1.9 to 2.9 and 1.9 to 2.3 (g kg^?1) for the macronutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, respectively, and 35 to 48, 4 to 15, 68 to 93, 31 to 60 and 180 to 245 (mg kg^?1) for the micronutrients B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. The dry matter production of guava seedlings was associated with the nutritional status.     

Establishing Standards for the Integrated Recommendation and Diagnosis System (DRIS) for Irrigated Bean Crops

This article addresses the establishment of integrated diagnostics and recommendation system (DRIS) standards for irrigated bean crops (Phaseolus vulgaris) and compares leaf concentrations and productivity in low- and high-productivity populations. The work was carried out in Santa Fé de Goiás, Goiás State, Brazil, in the agricultural years 1999/2000 and 2000/2001. For the nutritional diagnosis, leaf samples were collected, and leaf concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were established in 100 commercial bean crops. A database was set up listing the leaf nutrient content and the respective productivities, subdivided into two subpopulations, high and low productivity, using a bean yield value of 3000 kg ha^?1 to separate these subpopulations. Sufficiency values found in the high-productivity population matched only for the micronutrients B and Zn. The nutritional balance among the populations studied was coherent and was lower in the high-productivity population. The DRIS standards proposed for irrigated bean farming were efficient in evaluating the nutritional status of the crop areas studied. Calcium, Cu, and S were found to be the least available nutrients, indicating high response potential for the fertilizing using these nutrients.     

Foliar diagnosis of soybean by dris

Abstract

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) has proven useful in the interpretation of tissue elemental analyses for many crops, and research was undertaken to apply the same method for foliar diagnosis of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). Using a data bank in excess of 3500 tissue samples, reference values for evaluating the status of soybean with respect to N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, B and Al were derived. DRIS diagnoses generally agreed with those obtained by the sufficiency range method. In addition, DRIS assessed the nutrient balance in plant tissue, and identified not only the most‐limiting element, but the order in which other elements would likely become limiting. Further, DRIS was able to diagnose plant nutrient needs earlier in the life of the crop than the sufficiency range method (5 weeks compared to 10 weeks), which would allow remedial steps to be taken earlier. Treatments indicated by DRIS to be needed gave greater yield increases than those indicated by the sufficiency range approach. Geographic differences in DRIS norms were identified, and indicate that regional derivation of diagnostic values may be necessary.     

Effect of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization on Banana Plants Cultivated in the Humid Tropical Amazon

Banana (Musa spp.) is widely cultivated in tropical regions because of their economic importance for the local market as the source of food for the regional population. In the Amazon region, the banana crop was cultivated in the river basin before the 90th decade of the last century, but after the black sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) and the increases of the bacteria wilt (Raostonia solanarum), the crops migrated to upper land soils with low natural fertility where there was no influence of floods for natural fertilization from the regional rivers. Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) have been the foremost nutrient required by the banana trees and the aim of this study was to evaluate during two growing periods, the influence of the N and dipotassium oxide (K₂O) fertilization in yield and nutritional status of banana. The experimental design was a completely randomized blocks in a factorial 3 × 4 scheme with three replicates. The treatments were three N rates (0, 267, and 533 kg ha^?1) and four K₂O rates (200, 800, 1,600, and 2,400 kg ha^?1). The field plots had seven plants where the useful area had only five plants spaced 3 m × 2 m. The foliar N and sulfur (S) content were significantly influenced by the N rates, while foliar K, magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) were significant under the K₂O rates. The N, K₂O, and N × K₂O interaction interfered the foliar zinc (Zn) content. In both crop cycles, the bunch biomass and banana yield were not influenced by the N and K₂O rates.     

Study of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition of Proteas Cultivated under Subtropical Conditions

Abstract: A study of soil physicochemical characteristics and mineral nutrition of four cultivars of Leucospermum cordifolium (‘Scarlett Ribbon,’ ‘High Gold,’ ‘Veldifre,’ ‘Sunrise’) and Leucospermum patersonii species was carried out along 2 years in commercial protea plantations, distributed throughout a subtropical region (La Palma Island, Canarian Archipelago). Soils presented a slightly acid pH range, whereas organic matter showed suitable values. Generally, available soil phosphorus (P) contents were less than 25 mg kg^?1, with high available potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels, though the ratio of Ca of the sum of available cations was usually appropriate. Despite the high electrical conductivity (EC) levels (4.31–8.87 dS m^?1) determined in some soils, no salinity symptoms were ever detected. Distribution and behavior of foliar nutrients nitrogen (N), P, K, Ca, magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) along time showed that nutritional needs varied in some cases among cultivars and species. L. patersonii presented the least N concentration, whereas ‘High Gold’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the greatest levels. Data denoted that P requirements were larger in younger plants, during the recovery after pruning, and while new buds developed. ‘Sunrise’ cultivar stood out for its large foliar levels of P, whereas ‘Scarlett Ribbon’ and ‘Veldfire’ had the least K contents. As a general pattern, K decreased in winter samplings. L. patersonii species and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ exhibited the highest Ca values, and the same was true for Mg only in the species. A special need for Na appeared in all the cultivars and species studied. L. patersonii and the cultivar ‘Sunrise’ showed the greatest Na levels. A general stabilization of nutrient concentrations was observed in the fourth, fifth, and/or sixth samplings, so that November is recommended for taking samples for current foliar analysis. In this context, foliar ranges for the studied nutrients are suggested.     

Verifying critical values from DRIS norms in sweet cherry and hazelnut

Abstract

Previously published DRIS norms for sweet cherry and hazelnut were used to calculate DRIS indices for N, K, P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, and Zn on over a thousand leaf sample analyses for each crop. A nutritional imbalance index (NII) was obtained by adding the values of DRIS indices irrespective of sign. The sample with the lowest NII for each crop was assumed to have “ideal”; levels of elements and these “ideal”; levels were used to create an artificial data base to determine which critical values would be most consistent with DRIS evaluations. By maintaining all but one element concentration at “ideal”; levels and artificially varying another, the concentration of a given element that was associated with the onset of severe imbalances could be identified. In addition to providing ratio‐based diagnoses, DRIS norms provide a means of independently evaluating current sufficiency ranges for elements that DRIS diagnoses as relatively deficient or excessive.     

Dris evaluation of n,p, k status of determinent soybeans in Brazil

Abstract

The Diagnois and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) has advantage over the critical value method to assess the state of nutrient balance of plants because it utilizes nutrient ratio relationships. The DRIS method was evaluated utilizing 3 data sets of N, P, and K foliar analyses of determinent soybeans from P‐response experiments in Brazil. Evaluation of data sets collected at growth stage R‐2 resulted in lowest calculated DRIS sum, an indication of highest degree of nutrient balance, to conform to highest yield. The DRIS method proved useful as a analytical tool to evaluate responsiveness of soybeans to phosphorus fertilizer materials. Foliar analyses of plants approaching maturity, R‐7, would indicate a different order of nutrient requirements than when collected at growth stages R‐2 or R‐5. This would suggest that DRIS, as a nutrient status evaluation instru‐ ment, also has limitations as to plant age. The order of requirement appears to account for judgement of high and low levels of nutrients, but needs some additional interpretation with respect to sufficiency of nutrients. Because DRIS can be used to diagnos nutrient balance and imbalance, refinement of the method for use with annual crops should be encouraged.     

NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF CHAMAEROPS HUMILIS L. AND WASHINGTONIA ROBUSTA H. WENDL PALM TREES AND THEIR LONG-TERM NUTRITIONAL RESPONSES TO SALINITY

The ornamental value of plants used in semiarid areas can be improved by knowledge of their required nutrients and of their nutritional responses under saline conditions. We present a long-term study concerning the nutritional status in Chamaerops humilis and Washingtonia robusta. Two-year-old plants were grown for two years outdoors in pots using water with electrical conductivity values of 2 (control) or 8 dS m^?1 (saline conditions). Nutrient specific absorption rates and leaf nutrient transport rates were estimated by fitting a Richards function regression. We suggest fertilizing C. humilis and W. robusta plants with nitrogen (N): phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅): dipotassium oxide (K₂O) ratios of 4:1:5 and 5:1:3, respectively. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Plant Analysis with Standardized Scores (PASS) norms were also evaluated. PASS norms provided better nutritional diagnosis than DRIS norms. In saline conditions, PASS-INI (Independent nutrient index) pointed to a deficiency (C. humilis and of nitrogen in W. robusta.     

Evaluating Bearberry Nitrogen Nutrition Using Hydroponic Cultures: Establishing Preliminary DRIS Norms

Abstract

This study was designed to explore nitrogen (N) nutrition in bearberry plants (Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi L.) using a hydroponic culture system. Two experiments were performed in which the total N concentration (34, 52, and 73 mg L^?1) and N‐NO₃ ^?:N‐NH₄ ⁺ ratio (50/50, 60/40, and 70/30 in %) in the nutrient solution were varied and effects on nutrient uptake [N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] and foliar composition determined. Highest‐quality plants were yielded using a N level of 73 mg L^?1 and a N‐NO₃ ^?:N‐NH₄ ⁺ ratio of 50/50. Standard nutrient values for foliar tissue were obtained for bearberry plants growing in these hydroponic cultures for their use as preliminary norms in the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS). In a subsequent complementary experiment, these norms were used in the DRIS procedure and applied to plants growing in solutions of varying K concentrations. It was found that the DRIS norms established in the hydroponic experiments were able to account for changes in nutrient limiting factors produced in response to the varying K concentrations in the nutrient solution. The results obtained will be useful for the nutritional diagnosis of bearberry plants.     

DRIS Use on Apple Orchard Nutritional Evaluation in Response to Potassium Fertilization

Abstract

The aim of this work was to use the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) method to evaluate the nutritional status of an apple orchard, cv. Gala/MM106, at Vacaria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Treatments consisted of four levels of annual maintenance potassium fertilization. Data on fruit production and fruit pellicle color were restored from 1995 to 2000, as well as the data on leaf macro and micro-nutrient concentrations. The DRIS indices and nutritional balance index (NBI) for each nutrient were determined using three methods: Beaufils, Jones, and Elwali and Gascho. The results showed that (i) the NBI, calculated from the generated norms, were negatively correlated negative correlated with productivity and fruit coloration, and (ii) the DRIS method, described by Elwali and Gascho and using the F value, was the most suitable for apple tree orchards, because the NBI values obtained with this method best indicated the nutritional status of the plants and provided a more accurate nutritional diagnosis.