There are several interpretation methods for foliar nutrient analysis, and the critical level or nutrient sufficient range described in the literature are the most commonly used. However, an inclusion of methods that determine the normal nutrient ranges for specific regions (sites) can increase the efficiency of interpretation. The objective of this study was to compare normal nutrient ranges for sugarcane cultivation, determined by the methods ChM (Mathematical Chance), DRIS (Integrated System of Diagnosis and Recommendation) and CND (Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis), and the Critical Level, by the method of reduced normal distribution. The study was carried out based on data of foliar nutrient contents and crop yield, from commercial sugarcane fields in Campos de Goytacazes, State of Rio de Janeiro. By the ChM method, sufficiency ranges for N, Ca, S, and Mn were similar to those determined by DRIS and CND, while for P, K, Mg, Cu, and Zn the values obtained by ChM were higher. In general, the use of ChM, DRIS and CND in commercial sugarcane fields reduced the amplitude of the normal nutrient ranges, compared with the values obtained by the critical level and sufficiency range methods.
Saccharum officinarum; leaf analysis; nutritional status
