Leaf color chart (LCC): An instant tool for assessing nitrogen content in plant: A review

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer carves a lion’s share amongst the nutrient source required for plant growth and development. Fertilizer N is touted as one of the key inputs in cereals, in particular rice production in Asian countries. Amongst the nutrient management techniques, N management is the main concern in rice production. N holds a distinctive prominence amongst the nutrient elements and is the “mineral of life” for rice. It is the utmost needed input that restricts rice production in irrigated environment. There is no conciliation on the requirement for the efficient use of N fertilizer for augmenting rice production though the price of N fertilizers escalates with time. The leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) is highly correlated with chlorophyll content. To measure it, there are many devices like leaf colour chart (LCC), SPAD, at LEAF+ of chlorophyll or nitrogen. As these devices are cost effective and unavailable with all farmers, LCC provides prospects to the farmers for estimating plant N requirement in actual time for effective fertilizer use and augmented rice yields.