DRIS NUTRIENT NORMS FOR PINEAPPLE ON ALFISOLS OF INDIA

Sub-optimum production in pineapple fields in India is a common feature in Alfisols. The diagnosis and management of nutrient constraints assume a greater significance in maximizing production sustainability. DRIS norms were computed from the data bank of 324 sub-plots on leaf mineral composition, soil available nutrients, and corresponding mean yield representing three diverse pineapple belts for 3 seasons during 2002 –04. DRIS norms derived primarily from basal portion of ‘D'leaves sampled at 4th to 5th month suggested optimum leaf nutrient concentration viz. 1.21–1.85% nitrogen (N), 0.13–0.18% phosphorus (P), 1.19–1.62% potassium (K), 0.27–0.35% calcium (Ca), 0.43–0.56% magnesium (Mg), and 78.4–102.5 iron (Fe), 41.5–58.3 manganese (Mn), 7.4–10.2 copper (Cu), and 12.2–15.8 zinc (Zn) (ppm) in relation to fruit yield of 55–72 tons ha−1. Likewise, DRIS norms for soil fertility corresponding to similar level of fruit yield were determined. The norms were further observed validating the leaf/soil test values...