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.     

NORMS FOR MULTIVARIATE DIAGNOSIS OF NUTRIENT IMBALANCE IN THE EAST AFRICAN HIGHLAND BANANAS (MUSA SPP. AAA)

Despite low yields and soil fertility problems, fertilizer use in the East African Highland banana (AAA-EA) production is absent. High fertilizer costs increase the need for site-specific fertilizer recommendations that address deficiencies. This study aimed to derive and compare norms for AAA-EA bananas, using Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND), Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), and a DRIS that includes a filling value (DRIS-R_d), and study nutrient interactions. Data on foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, and plant performance were obtained from 300 plots in Uganda. CND indices were closely related to DRIS and DRIS-Rd indices (R² > 0.965). Four nutrient interactions were common in both low and high bunch weight subpopulations. Although the three approaches can be used to determine nutrient imbalances in AAA-EA bananas, we recommend CND for ease of use. Diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies should be based on methods that identify plant nutritional imbalances.     

Optimum Nutrient Concentrations and CND Scores of Mature White Spruce Determined Using a Boundary-Line Approach and Spatial Variation of Tree Growth and Nutrition

ABSTRACT

Standards of optimum nutrition are not readily available for mature trees of the Canadian boreal forest. The objective of this study was to determine foliar nutritional standards for white spruce for all major nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn)] using critical values (CVA) and compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND). Trees were sampled at two locations in Ontario and Quebec to cover a gradient of soil fertility levels. A boundary-line approach was used in combination with quadratic regression models to estimate the relationship between growth and foliar-nutrient concentrations or CND scores when free of the effects of interacting environmental factors. White spruce optimum nutrition ranges were computed from significant relationships (P ≤ 0.10) for N, P, K, Ca, and Mn concentrations and for N, P, and K CND scores. Optimum concentrations for first-year needles were 12.3, 1.9, 7.3, 6.5, and 0.39 mg g^?1 for N, P, K Ca, and Mn, respectively, whereas optimum CND scores were 0.17, ?1.65, ?0.40, and ?0.30 for N, P, K, and Ca, respectively. Samples from a broader range of environmental conditions will be required in order to establish standards for all major nutrients and to ascertain toxicity levels of most nutrients.     

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.     

Diagnosis of nutrient imbalance in pomegranate by diagnosis and recommendation integrated system and compositional nutrient diagnosis

Abstract

A regional survey was conducted in commercial orchards of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in order to develop diagnostic norms and for evaluation of yield limiting nutrients in low yielding orchards. The leaf nutrient status was interpreted using Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) and Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND). The correlation structure among the nutrients was extracted by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The departure of DRIS indices from their CND counterparts was relatively small and a highly significant positive correlation was obtained between DRIS and CND indices. The three principal components explained 59.5% of the variation in the high yielding population and the designated PCS were (N+S+Zn+Fe‐Mn‐), (N+P+Ca+Zn‐), and (K‐S+). Pomegranate is mainly grown on marginal soils with low fertility and hence more than two or three nutrients were found to be limiting yields. However, nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) were the most common yield limiting nutrients. The DRIS and CND indices for low‐yielding orchards are reported and discussed.     

Prevalence of Phosphorus,Potassium, and Calcium Limitations in White Spruce across Canada

In Canada, the coniferous forest was generally found to be nitrogen (N) deficient, but base cation deficiencies may be becoming more prevalent. Newly-developed nutritional standards based on leaf nutrient concentrations and compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) were applied on published data of white spruce nutrition from sites across Canada. Results suggest that nutritional disorders in white spruce are not restricted to N deficiencies. Based on nutrient concentrations, deficiencies are common, particularly in phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca), but toxicities are rare. The CND analysis revealed some cases of excess N, P, and magnesium (Mg).     

Compositional nutrient diagnosis and main nutrient interactions in yellow pepper grown on desert calcareous soils

Mineral‐nutrient stress is one of the main factors limiting crop production, especially in arid lands. The mineral requirement of a crop is difficult to determine, and the interpretation of foliar chemistry composition is not easy. This study was conducted to compute the minimum yield target for fresh fruit of yellow pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and the corresponding Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) as well as to identify significant nutrient interactions of this crop in desert calcareous soils. Preliminary CND norms were developed using a cumulative variance‐ratio function and the chi‐square distribution function. From a small database, we computed means and standard deviations of row‐centered log ratios, V_X, of five nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and a filling value, R, which comprises all nutrients not chemically analyzed and quantified them in 54 foliar samples of the popular yellow pepper cv. ‘Santa Fé’. This cultivar is widely grown in northwest Mexico under arid conditions. These norms are associated to fresh fruit yields higher than 15.04 t ha^–1. Principal‐component analyses, performed using estimated CND nutrient indexes, allowed us to identify four interactions: negative P‐Ca, P‐Mg, and N‐K, and positive Ca‐Mg. Pepper plants growing on calcareous soils tend to take up more Ca and Mg than considered as optimum in other soil conditions.     

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.     

Monitoring Nutrient Status of Guava Fruit Trees in Punjab,Northwest India through the Diagnostic and Recommendation Integrated System Approach

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) was employed for interpreting nutrient analyses of leaf tissue of guava fruit trees (Psidium guajava L.) cultivated in Punjab, northwest India. Standard reference DRIS norms were established for various nutrient ratios and used to compute DRIS indices, which assessed nutrient balance and order of limitation to yield. The DRIS evaluation and sufficiency range approach were equally effective and in agreement for diagnosing deficiencies of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu). The results also show that the position of leaf tissue sampled does not have a major effect on the DRIS diagnosis. Nutrient sufficiency ranges derived from DRIS norms were 1.41–1.65, 0.10–0.17, 0.51–0.97, 1.16–2.12, 0.31–0.51, 0.18–0.28% for N, P, K, Ca, magnesium (Mg), and S and were 105–153, 58–110, 15–29, and 6–16 mg Kg^?1 for iron (Fe), Mn, Zn, and Cu, respectively. According to these sufficiency ranges 35, 62, 51, 75, 70, and 68% of samples were sufficient, and 4, 29, 36, 9, 10, and 22% of samples were low in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively. More than 50 and 2% of the guava trees selected for sampling was found to deficient in N and P, respectively. For micronutrients, 15, 6, and 7% of samples were found to be low in Mn, Zn, and Cu.     

DRIS NUTRIENT NORMS FOR PINEAPPLE ON ALFISOLS OF INDIA

Sub-optimum production in pineapple fields in India is a common feature in Alfisols. The diagnosis and management of nutrient constraints assume a greater significance in maximizing production sustainability. DRIS norms were computed from the data bank of 324 sub-plots on leaf mineral composition, soil available nutrients, and corresponding mean yield representing three diverse pineapple belts for 3 seasons during 2002 –04. DRIS norms derived primarily from basal portion of ‘D'leaves sampled at 4th to 5th month suggested optimum leaf nutrient concentration viz. 1.21–1.85% nitrogen (N), 0.13–0.18% phosphorus (P), 1.19–1.62% potassium (K), 0.27–0.35% calcium (Ca), 0.43–0.56% magnesium (Mg), and 78.4–102.5 iron (Fe), 41.5–58.3 manganese (Mn), 7.4–10.2 copper (Cu), and 12.2–15.8 zinc (Zn) (ppm) in relation to fruit yield of 55–72 tons ha^?1. Likewise, DRIS norms for soil fertility corresponding to similar level of fruit yield were determined. The norms were further observed validating the leaf/soil test values obtained from productive plots, suggesting the DRIS as a dynamic interpretation tool for diagnosis of nutrient constraints using both, leaf as well as soil analysis.     

Soil fertility and yield-limiting nutrients in oil palm plantations of north-eastern state Mizoram of India

A survey was conducted for assessment of soil fertility status, leaf nutrient concentration and finding yield-limiting nutrients of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations in Mizoram state situated in the northeastern part of India. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available potassium (K), available phosphorus (P) (Bray's-P), exchangeable calcium (Ca) (Exch. Ca) and magnesium (Mg) (Exch. Mg), available sulfur (S) (CaCl₂-S), and hot-water-soluble boron (B) (HWB) content in surface (0–20 cm depth) and subsurface (20–40 cm depth) soil layers varied widely. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms were established for different nutrient expressions, and DRIS indices were computed. As per DRIS indices, the order of requirement of nutrients was found to be B > K > Mg > P > nitrogen (N). Optimum leaf nutrient ranges as per DRIS norms varied from 1.91% to 2.95%, 0.46% to 0.65%, 0.63% to 1.00%, 0.48% to 0.88%, and 9.41 to 31.0 mg kg^?1 for N, P, K, Mg, and B, respectively. On the basis of DRIS-derived optimum ranges, 32%, 9%, 27%, 12%, and 12% leaf samples had less than optimum concentration of N, P, K, Mg, and B, respectively. The optimum ranges developed could be used as a guide for routine diagnostic and advisory purpose for efficient fertilizer application.     

Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis in Maize Grown in a Calcareous Soil

ABSTRACT

Preliminary compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) norms for maize (Zea mays L.) were developed from a small database as means and standard deviations of row-centered log ratios V _X of five nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)] and a filling value R, which comprised all nutrients not chemically analyzed and quantified in 72 leaves of hybrid ‘Pioneer 3044.’ Norms were derived from maize grain yields higher than 7.7 t ha^?1. Principal-component analysis performed using CND nutrient indexes allowed us to identify an antagonism between N and Mg explained by the calcareous nature of the soil and the relevant N fertilization with ammonium (NH₄ ⁺), and a positive interaction between P and K, and P-Ca and K-Ca antagonisms. Maize plants tended to take up lower amounts of N and K and higher amount of Mg in our calcareous soil than the concentrations of these nutrients reported to be optimum.     

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.     

Soil Nutrient Status and Leaf Nutrient Norms in Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) Plantations Grown in the West Coastal Area of India

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a heavy feeder of nutrients and requires balanced and adequate supply of nutrients for optimum growth and yield. Information regarding soil nutrient status and leaf nutrient concentration is very much required for proper fertilizer application. Therefore, a survey was conducted for assessment of soil nutrient status and leaf nutrient concentration in 64 oil palm plantations in the state of Goa lying in the west coastal region of India. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available potassium (K) (ammonium acetate-extractable K) (NH₄OAc-K), available phosphorus (P) (Bray’s-P), exchangeable calcium (Ca) (Exch. Ca) and magnesium (Mg) (Exch. Mg), available sulphur (S) (calcium chloride-extractable S) (CaCl₂-S), and hot water soluble boron (B) (HWB) in surface (0–20 cm depth) soil layers ranged from 4.25 to 6.77, 0.05 to 1.06 dS m^–1, 5.07 to 48.4 g kg^–1, 58.1 to 1167 mg kg^–1, 1.80 to 415 mg kg^–1, 200 to 2997 mg kg^–1, 36.0 to 744 mg kg^–1, 3.00 to 87.7 mg kg^–1 and 0.09 to 2.10 mg kg^–1, respectively. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms were established for different nutrient expressions and were used to compute DRIS indices. As per DRIS indices, the order of requirement of nutrients in the region was found to be P > Mg > K > nitrogen (N) > B. Optimum leaf nutrient ranges as per DRIS norms varied from 1.64 to 2.79%, 0.36 to 0.52%, 0.37 to 0.75%, 0.89 to 1.97%, 0.35 to 0.63%, 0.89 to 1.50%, 3.10 to 13.9 mg kg^?1, 7.50 to 32.2 mg kg^?1, 35.0 to 91.1 mg kg^?1, 206 to 948 mg kg^?1, and 895 to 2075 mg kg^?1 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) respectively. On the basis of DRIS-derived sufficiency ranges, 14, 5, 11, 6, 6, 6, 8, 2, 3, 6, and 16% of leaf samples had less than optimum concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe respectively. The optimum ranges developed can be used as a guide for routine diagnostic and advisory purpose for balanced utilization of fertilizers.     

Diagnosis of Nutrient Imbalance in Thompson Seedless Grape Grafted on Dog Ridge Rootstock by DRIS

Abstract

A nutrient concentration vs. yield data bank was established for vines grafted on Dog Ridge (Vitis champini) rootstock for developing DRIS ratio norms during bud differentiation stage (BDS) and flowering stages (FS). The data were further subdivided into medium‐ and low‐yielding population based on yield performance. DRIS ratio norms were developed for medium‐yielding population, while diagnoses of nutrient imbalances were made in the low-yielding population. Sixty‐six nutrient expressions were chosen as diagnostic norms. Among the nutrient ratios selected to form diagnostic parameters phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) (0.260), potassium/nitrogen (K/N) (1.761), phosphorus/zinc (P/Zn) (0.0056) had greater physiological rationale during flowering stage. The ratios of N with P (N/P 3.42) and K (N/K 0.68) were found to be more critical during BDS. Group differences between low‐ and medium‐yielding population were determined using discriminant analysis. The nutrient concentration during FS in medium‐ and low‐yielding populations differed significantly, and magnesium (Mg) accounted for nearly 60.97% of the variation. The difference in mean nutrient concentration during BDS and FS was mainly due to Mg followed in importance by sodium (Na). During BDS Na, followed by Mg and calcium (Ca) were the most common yield‐limiting nutrient, while there was an accompanying excessive accumulation of K, manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). During FS, Fe, copper (Cu), and K were the most common yield‐limiting nutrients whereas Ca, N, and Mg were on the excessive range.     

Preliminary nitrogen,phosphorus, potassium,calcium and magnesium DRIS norms and indices for apple orchards in Canterbury,New Zealand

Abstract

Diagnosis and Recommended Integrated System (DRIS) norms and indices for N, P, K, Ca and Mg were developed for apple trees in Canterbury, New Zealand, based on surveys of nutrient levels of apple leaves in field experiments before and after N and K fertiliser applications and in four orchard surveys over a period of three years. Comparisons were made between calculated norms based on mean sufficiency nutrient levels and published norms. Results obtained showed that calculated norms and indices from sufficiency range provide a good indication of the order of apple nutrient requirements. High N and low Ca were identified as major nutrient problems. The best period for sampling leaves for nutrient analysis is at 3 to 5 months after blossom (i.e., December to January in New Zealand).     

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.     

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.     

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.