Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2003: 5(1): 7-10

Diagnosis of nutrient imbalances and derivation of new RPZI (Reference Population Zero Index) values using DRIS/MDRIS and CND approaches in the leaves of turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Kumar, P S S; Geetha, S A; Savithri, P; Jagadeeswaran, R; Mahendran, P P

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

The optimum levels for 12 nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, S, B, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in the leaves of turmeric were generated using Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS)/Modified Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (MDRIS) and Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) approaches. Approximately 500 soil and leaf samples were obtained from commercial fields in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, during July-September 2000. Using the new norms of DRIS/MDRIS, the extent of deficiency of none of the micronutrients (Zn, B and Fe) matched with the values assessed with the soil analysis. Approximately 9% of the turmeric growing area was severely limited by mineral nutrition. Approximately 20% was identified as having possible imbalances. Based on the order of requirement, predominance of Zn deficiency was well indicated by CND than DRIS. The order of nutrient imbalance was in the order S > B > Mg > Cu > P > Na > Ca > K > Zn > N > Fe > Mn based on DRIS, S > B > Cu > Ca > Na > Zn > Mg > P > Fe > Mn > K > N based on MDRIS, and S > Ca > Na > Mg > Cu > Zn > K > B > Mn > P > N > Fe based on CND. Among the various approaches, CND projected the nutrient imbalances better than the other approaches in relation to the yield of the crop.