This survey represents the first part of a program for the evaluation of the general nutritional level of coffee fields in main soil groups of the State of São Paulo and it reports the data concerning the massapê-salmourão area of soil (ortho red-yellow podzolic soils, ortho red-yellow latosol and gravelly podzolized soils). A total of 107 leaf samples was taken for analyses in three seasons during 1964: summer (January-February, when the coffee fruit is developing); autumn (April-May, during fruit ripening), and in the spring (September-October, when flowering occurs). The sampling was made in 20 different counties in 5 to 10 years old coffee fields of "Mundo Novo", "Bourbon" or "Caturra" varieties. Analyses were performed for 12 elements. The results obtained were then compared with the threshold level and frequency distribution curve, previously obtained in a general survey of coffee plantations under a wide range of conditions in the State. Leaf analyses of N, B, Zn, Mg, and Fe confirmed the deficiency symptoms observed in the field. Some differences in potassium, manganese and molybdenum content of the leaves from different varieties were found. The percentage of deficient coffee fields changes with the sampling season for most elements. Fluctuations must be taken into account for the foliar diagnoses. The results of this study indicate that for the improvement of the coffee production in these soils, attention should be given to nitrogen and boron.