Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2003: 5(1): 21-24

Comparison of CVA, DRIS, MDRIS and CND norms in rhizomes of turmeric crop in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu

Kumar, P S S; Geetha, S A; Savithri, P

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore - 641 003, India.

The optimum levels for nutrients in the rhizomes of turmeric were generated by Critical Value Approach (CVA), Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS)/Modified Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (MDRIS) and Compositional Nutritional Diagnosis (CND). Approximately 500 soil and rhizome samples were obtained from commercial fields in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, during July-September 2000. Using the new norms of DRIS/MDRIS for rhizomes, the extent of deficiency of none of the micronutrients (Zn, B and Fe) matched with the values assessed with the soil analysis. Approximately 17% of the turmeric growing area was limited by mineral nutrition. Approximately 23% was identified as having possible imbalances. Based on the order of requirement, predominance of Zn deficiency was well indicated by CND than DRIS.