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

Abstract

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.