Journal of Applied Horticulture, 13(1): 13-17, 2011 Journal

Appl
Evaluation of SPAD chlorophyll fluorescence for on-site
nitrogen assessment in drip fertigated sweet corn

Lydia L.M. Kitonga-Mwanza1, John Swiader2 and Richard M.S. Mulwa3*

1
Egerton University, Department of Environmental Science, P. O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya. 2Department of Natural
Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana IL 61801. 3Egerton University, Department of
Crops, Horticulture and Soils, P. O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya. *E-mail: [email protected]

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Abstract
This study was conducted over two growing seasons to evaluate the potential use of the Minolta SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter for rapid
onsite determination of plant N status in a drip-fertigated nitrogen cropping regime of sweet corn. Four N fertilizer rates (0, 84, 168, and
336 kg N ha-1) were applied to two sweet corn cultivars (‘Kandy Plus’ and ‘Sugar Ace’) in a factorial split-plot design. Leaf SPAD and
leaf total N concentration were measured at 4 different growth stages (seventh leaf stage (V7), tenth leaf stage V10), silking (R1) and
milking (R3) in season one and three sampling stages (V6, V10 and R1) in 2002. In season two, leaf N concentrations and leaf ‘SPAD
chlorophyll’ measurements increased early in the season up to silking (R1 growth stage) and declined thereafter. Leaf N concentrations and
leaf SPAD readings were positively correlated. Critical SPAD values (readings associated with the lowest N fertilizer rate and providing
the highest marketable ear yield) were estimated as 52.8, 52.1 and 59.0 at V7, V10 and R1 in season one; in season two the values were
51.0, 49, and 56.5 receptively. Regressing N rate on yield placed maximum ear yields at 13.8 tons ha-1 with 174.8 kg N ha-1 in season
one and 9.7 tons ha-1 with 306.2 kg ha-1 in season two. Increase in leaf SPAD readings at silking reflects a strong sink/source relationship
among leaves for absorbed N. The positive relationship between leaf SPAD readings and leaf N status is due to the responsiveness of
SPAD-chlorophyll to N fertilizer application. These results indicate that the SPAD meter can be used effectively to assess sweet corn N
status early in the season, and at this time it is possible to correct any N deficiencies that might compromise yields.
Key words: Sweet corn, SPAD-chlorophyll, N-fertilizer, silking

Introduction soil type and environmental conditions such as moisture regimes

and temperature, which are beyond the growers’ control. In the
Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient required for normal growth context of these concerns and issues, it is important that vegetable
and development of plants as it is an integral component of producers have at their disposal effective and environmentally
the chlorophyll molecule, the principal site of light absorption sound N management systems that produce high quality food with
necessary for photosynthesis (Taiz and Zeiger, 1991). Specific minimum inputs. Growers need a reliable on-site procedure to
N recommendations for sweet corn vary with soil type, climatic directly monitor plant N status in the field throughout the growing
conditions, and cultural practices (Swiader and Ware, 2002). The season since traditional laboratory tissue testing is inconvenient,
recommended N rates for sweet corn range from 84 kg N ha-1 on time-consuming and cannot be relied upon to provide timely
silty clay loams to more than 224 kg N ha-1 on highly leached remedial measures for the grower.
sandy soils (Swiader and Ware, 2002). For more efficient use of N
in irrigated cropping systems, the rate is usually split into several A hand-held spectrophotometer, the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter
small applications during the growing season. In the Midwest of (Minolta Corporation, Ramsey, N.J.), has increasingly been
USA, a preplant N rate of 67 kg ha-1 is recommended, but can be used to assess the plant N status in crops such as rice (Turner
adjusted depending on the soil type, previous management, and and Jund, 1989; Takebe and Yoneyama, 1989). The SPAD-502
soil organic matter content (Foster et al., 2002). chlorophyll meter allows instant ‘real-time’, non-destructive
measurements of plant leaf greenness, which is correlated to the
Fresh market sweet corn growers aim at maintaining high soil leaf chlorophyll content (Yadava, 1986; Minolta, 1989). The
N levels late into the season, since consumers expect sweet SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter determines the relative amount
corn with dark green husks and long ears. N fertilization of of chlorophyll in leaves by measuring the light transmitted
high-value vegetable crops such as sweet corn has historically through the leaf in two wavelength peaks; a red peak at 650 nm
been managed with the goal of maximum productivity rather (where absorbance is high and unaffected by carotene) and an
than maximum efficiency. However, the practice has negative infrared peak at 940 nm where absorbance is extremely low (non-
environmental consequences, particularly regarding nitrate (NO3-) chlorophyll absorbance, such as cell walls). After passing through
pollution of surface and ground water. This has provided impetus the sample, the quantities of each wavelength are detected by a
for more careful and introspective N management in vegetable silicone photodiode and a microprocessor calculates a numerical
production, thus making N fertilizer-use efficiency a major SPAD unit or value, ranging from 0 to 80, which represents the
goal of the Illinois vegetable industry. Unfortunately, accurate relative amount of chlorophyll present in the plant leaf. In effect,
prediction of soil N contribution is difficult because it varies with the SPAD value is proportional to the relative optical density,
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14 Evaluation of SPAD chlorophyll fluorescence for on-site nitrogen assessment in drip fertigated sweet corn

based on the ratio between the two wavelengths. The purpose the leaves used in the SPAD readings were dried at 80oC and
of this study was to evaluate the potential use of the SPAD-502 ground to a fine powder in a miniature cyclone mill. Total N
chlorophyll meter for fast and accurate determination of plant N was determined in triplicates using a micro-Kjelhdahl digestion
status in sweet corn and establish critical leaf SPAD values that preceded by a 2.5% salicylic acid: H2SO4 (w:v) pre-digestion
accurately interpret plant N status, for drip-fertigated N cropping treatment to facilitate reduction of tissue NO3 to NH4 (Nelson and
regimes of sweet corn. Sommers, 1980). Total N in the digest solution was quantitatively
recovered as ammonium-N by colorimetric analysis (625 nm) of
Materials and methods an indophenol-blue complex.
Experimental site: The research was a 2-year field study at Data analysis: Data was analyzed using the SAS statistical
Dixon Springs Agricultural Research Center (DSAC), in Simpson, package (SAS Institute Inc., Cary N.C.). Factorial data analysis
Illinois, USA. Leaf ‘SPAD chlorophyll’ was monitored over the of variance (PROC GLM) with stepwise elimination of non-
growing season in response to various rates of applied N fertilizer significant independent variables was used to identify significant
in two sweet corn cultivars grown under drip-fertigated N culture. variety and N rate fertilizer effects and any N rate x variety
interactions at P≤0.05. Where significant main effects of cultivar

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The soil at the site was a Grantsburg silt loam, characterized by
low to moderate organic matter content (2.2%), with a total N level were detected, means were separated by the least significant
of 1.16 g kg-1 and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 9.7 meq difference procedures (LSD) at P≤0.05. Trend analysis was used
100 g-1. The site had no previous history of manure application. to partition main effects of N fertilization rate into significant
A pre-plant soil test was performed in spring showed NO3-N linear and quadratic components.
levels at 3.0 mg kg-1. Critical SPAD values were determined in a two-step procedure.
Treatments and experimental design: Treatments consisted First, the optimum N rate (the lowest N fertilizer rate which
of a factorial combination of two sweet corn cultivars (‘Kandy provided highest marketable ear yield) was determined by SAS
Plus’ and ‘Sugar Ace’) and four rates of N fertilization (0, 84, trend analysis, using either quadratic regression or quadratic-
168, 336 kg N ha-1). N fertilizer was applied as ammonium plateau regression (whichever gave the best fit of the data). This
nitrate in six applications; one-fifth of the total amount of each latter form of regression analysis (SAS-NLIN procedure) was
N rate was broadcasted as a dry blend pre-plant application and chosen over linear or quadratic regression when it resulted in a
disked-in (0-6 inches). The remaining four-fifths were applied > 5% reduction in residual error mean square, and at the same
in five applications with the drip-irrigation water using Dosatron time when it provided a better visual explanation of the data.
DI 16-11 GPM fertilizer injectors (Dosatron International Inc., By similar regression techniques, the SPAD readings associated
Clearwater, Florida), beginning 10 days after planting and at with these N rates were estimated. In the process, relationships
8-10 day intervals thereafter. A split-plot experimental design between N fertilization rate, leaf SPAD readings, and leaf total N
was used, with N rates as main plots replicated four times and were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the SPAD-chlorophyll
sweet corn cultivars as subplots. Cultivars were machine-seeded ‘quick-test’ as an on-site predictor of plant N status.
in four-row blocks (28 ft rows spaced 2.5 ft apart). Seeds were
planted 8-10 inches apart giving a plant population of ~ 64,490 Results
plants/hectare. Data was obtained from plants in the two centre Leaf SPAD: Leaf ‘SPAD-chlorophyll’ values during both growing
rows. Cultural practices such as cultivation, pest and disease seasons showed variations. In season one, leaf SPAD readings
control and maintenance applications of P and K and other cultural were not different among cultivars. However, increasing SPAD
requirements were in accordance with standard commercial sweet values were recorded in both cultivars with advancement in
corn recommendations (Foster et al., 2002). growth stages. The trend was a linear increase early in the season
SPAD measurements: Plant leaves were analyzed at various at V7 and V10 stages and a curvilinear increase later in the season;
growth stages throughout the growing seasons for SPAD- with increase in N rates up to 300 kg N acre-1. Pooled over cultivars
chlorophyll and total N concentration. There were four sampling and N rates, SPAD values in season one averaged 51.8 at V7, 50.5
dates in season one, corresponding to the seventh leaf stage at V10, 57.2 at R1 and 48.6 at R3 (Tables 1 and 2).
(V7), tenth leaf stage (V10), silking (R1), and milking (R3), In season two, leaf SPAD readings were significantly different
and three sampling dates in season two (V6, V10, and R1). between the cultivars with ‘Sugar Ace’ having higher leaf SPAD
Leaf SPAD measurements were taken from the uppermost fully values than ‘Kandy Plus’ (Table 2). In each cultivar, N fertilization
expanded leaves (youngest leaves with fully exposed collars) had a positive linear effect on leaf SPAD readings. Pooled over
at each vegetative sampling stage and from the ear leaf at each cultivars and N rates, SPAD values in season two averaged 45.5
reproductive sampling stage. Eight to ten leaves were harvested at V6, 42.5 at V10 and 50.7 at R1, respectively. In both growing
from plants in each N x cultivar plot and 20 SPAD readings were seasons, leaf SPAD readings tended to increase in each cultivar
taken on the outside 0.5-inch margins of the middle one third of from the early vegetative stage (V7) up to silking (R1). These
the leaf laminae. This protocol resulted in eight to ten individual responses were consistent with daily field observations, which
leaf SPAD readings for each N x cultivar subplot; readings were showed distinct differences in leaf greenness between each of the N
averaged over replicates. treatments beginning at V10, and increasing in intensity at R1.
Leaf tissue N determination: Total leaf N determination was Leaf N levels: The effects of N fertilization rates on leaf N
based on the modified Kjelhdahl digestion and the colorimetric concentrations were significant among cultivars in season two.
assay described by Cataldo et al. (1974). Leaf pieces from In this season, leaf N concentrations at V6 and R1 growth stages
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 Evaluation of SPAD chlorophyll fluorescence for on-site nitrogen assessment in drip fertigated sweet corn 15

were significantly higher in ‘Sugar Ace’ than in ‘Kandy Plus’ Table 4. Regression of N rate on leaf SPAD and respective critical SPAD
(Table 3). Nitrogen fertilization had a positive effect on leaf N values for three growth stages of sweet corn in season one
concentrations at each sampling date, with leaf N levels increasing Sampling Regression equation R2 Critical
curvilinearly with increasing N rate up to 168 kg N ha-1 at V10 stage SPADy
Table 1. Effect of cultivar and N fertilization rate on sweet corn leaf V7 Y = 49.6 + 0.0286x - 0.000050x2 0.72*** 52.8
‘SPAD chlorophyll’ readings at various growth stages in season one V10 Y = 45.6 + 0.0548x - 0.000077x2 0.82** 52.1
Cultivar Growth stages R1 Y = 51.3 + 0.0807x - 0.000196x2 0.87*** 59.0
z
Data is combined for ‘Kandy Plus’ and ‘Sugar Ace’.
V7z V10 R1 R3 y
Based on an N rate of 155.9 lbs N acre-1.
‘Kandy Plus’ 51.8 50.5 56.9 48.8
**, *** Significant at P ≤ 0.01, 0.001, respectively.
‘Sugar Ace’ 51.9 50.7 57.4 48.4
Table 5. Regression of N rate on leaf SPAD and respective critical SPAD
Significance ns ns ns ns values for three growth stages of sweet corn in season two
N rate (kg ha-1)
0 49.5d 45.6d 51.4c 41.0c Cultivar Stage Regression equation R2 Critical
SPADz
84 51.6c 49.2c 56.2b 48.3b

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‘Kandy V6 Y = 40.53 + 0.0273x 0.81*** 48.0
168 52.6b 52.2b 60.0a 51.7a Plus’ V10 Y = 39.26 + 0.0164x 0.48* 43.8
336 53.6a 55.1a 61.1a 53.5a
R1 Y = 41.6 + 0.082x – 0.000144x2 0.95*** 53.3
Significance L***Q* L***Q* L***Q*** L***Q*** ‘Sugar V6 Y = 43.6 + 0.024x 0.68** 50.3
z
V7 (seventh leaf stage), V10 (tenth leaf stage), R1 (silking), R3 (milk Ace’ V10 Y = 37.9 + 0.0678x – 0.00011x2 0.80** 48.3
stage ~20 days after silking). Means followed by the same letter in a R1 Y = 50.2 + 0.0228x 0.67** 56.4
column are not significantly different.
z
ns, **, ***, Non-significant, significant at P≤ 0.05, 0.01, 0.001, Based on an N rate of 273.2 lbs N/acre or 306.2 kg ha-1.
respectively. L (linear) and Q (quadratic) trends. *, **, *** Significant at P ≤ 0.05, 0.01, 0.001, respectively.
Table 2. Effect of N fertilizer rates on leaf ‘SPAD-chlorophyll’ readings and R3 in season one and linearly at V6, V10 and R1 in season
at three growth stages in two sweet corn cultivars in season two two. Averaged over cultivars and N fertilizer rates, leaf N levels
Growth stages decreased over the growing season, with N concentrations
Cultivar
V6z V10 R1 averaging 3.2% at R1 in both years.
‘Kandy Plus’ 44.1b 41.4b 43.1b
Relationship between leaf ‘SPAD-chlorophyll’ and nitrogen:
‘Sugar Ace’ 46.8a 43.6a 53.2a
The relationships between leaf SPAD values and leaf N at V7
Significance *** ** *** (V6), V10, and R1 growth stages in seasons one and two are
N rate (kg ha-1)
shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In season one, there
0 41.4c 38.6d 45.7c
was no significant leaf SPAD and leaf N relationship early in the
84 44.7b 41.1c 48.9b
season; later it developed into a linear relationship at V7 and a
168 46.3b 44.1b 53.2a
curvilinear one at V10. In the second season, the relationships
336 49.5c 46.2a 54.7a between leaf SPAD and leaf N were largely linear at each growth
Significance L*** L*** L*** stage (V6, V10 and R1), indicating that leaf SPAD readings were
z
V6 (sixth leaf stage), V10 (tenth leaf stage), R1 (silking). positively correlated with leaf N. Since the relationship between
Means followed by the same letter in a column are not significantly
different. leaf SPAD and leaf N was linear at all stages it indicated that a
**, ***: significant at P≤ 0.01, 0.001, respectively. L (linear) trend. large portion of the leaf N in corn leaves is closely associated
with chlorophyll.
Table 3. Effect of cultivar and N fertilization rate on sweet corn leaf N
concentration at various growth stages Critical SPAD values: Critical SPAD values are readings
Cultivar associated with the lowest N fertilizer rate which provided the
N % (dry weight)
highest marketable ear yield. In each year, yield data for ‘Kandy
2001 2002 Plus’ and ‘Sugar Ace’ were pooled to provide an overall estimate
V7z V10 R1 R3 V6z V10 R1 of yield response to N rate. From the response functions generated
‘Kandy Plus’ 4.35y 4.09 4.04 3.29 4.01b 2.51 3.10b by the regression of N rate on yield, maximum ear yields were
‘Sugar Ace’ 4.42 4.10 4.03 3.22 4.48a 2.66 3.42a estimated at 13.8 tons ha-1 with 174.8 kg N ha-1 in season one and
Significance NS NS NS NS *** NS ** 9.7 tons ha-1 with 306.2 kg ha-1 in season two. In both years, the
N rate (kg ha-1) quadratic-plateau model was chosen over the quadratic regression
0 3.95b 3.56b 3.57d 2.70d 3.85c 2.19c 2.89b
because it resulted in a 5% or more reduction in residual error
mean square, and at the same time, provided a better visual
84 4.60a 3.93a 3.85c 3.08c 4.13b 2.47b 3.00b
explanation of the data. By regression techniques, the SPAD
168 4.34a 4.31a 4.21b 3.50b 4.44a 2.75a 3.55a readings associated with each of the above optimum N rates were
336 4.54a 4.59a 4.51a 3.74a 4.56a 2.92a 3.58a estimated for each growth stage sampled. Additionally, SPAD
Significance NS L*** L*** L*** L*** L*** L*** data in season one were combined for the cultivars to provide an
Q** Q** overall estimate of critical SPAD values. However, in season
z
V6 (sixth leaf stage), V7 (seventh leaf stage), V10 (Tenth leaf stage), two, due to significant N rate by cultivar interactions affecting
R1 (Silking), R3 (Milk stage ~20 days after silking). Means followed
by the same letter in a column are not significantly different. ns, **, leaf SPAD readings at each of the sampling dates, individual sets
***, Non-significant, significant at P≤ 0.05, 0.01,0.001, respectively. L of critical SPAD values were determined for the cultivars (Table
(linear) and Q (quadratic) trends. 2). Hence, critical SPAD values in season one were estimated as
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16 Evaluation of SPAD chlorophyll fluorescence for on-site nitrogen assessment in drip fertigated sweet corn

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Fig. 1. Relationship between leaf ‘SPAD chlorophyll and leaf N
concentration at V6 growth stage in season two
Fig. 3. Relationship between leaf SPAD readings and leaf N concentration
at R1 growth stages in the two growing seasons

with plant age from a low at V7, maximum at R1 and low (but
higher than at V7) at the R4 growth stage.
The increase in leaf SPAD readings at silking reflects a strong
sink/source relationship among the leaves for absorbed N. The
strong positive relationship between leaf SPAD readings and leaf
N status is largely due to the responsiveness of SPAD-chlorophyll
to N fertilizer application. On the basis of these results, it can be
concluded that the SPAD meter can be used to effectively assess
sweet corn N status early in the season i.e. at V10 stage and
before silking stage. At these stages it is possible to correct any
N deficiencies that might affect yields. Despite the strong linear
relationships between the SPAD readings and N rate, and also
between SPAD and leaf tissue N concentrations at silking stage
(R1) in the evaluation of the crops’ N status, it is probably too
Fig. 2. Relationship between leaf SPAD readings and leaf N concentration late in the season to allow correction of in-season N deficiencies
at V10 growth stage in the two growing seasons at this stage. Previous work on corn indicates that corn N status
52.8 at V7, 52.1 at V10 and 59.0 at R1 (Table 4). In the second can be evaluated and effectively corrected at V10 and midsilk
season, critical SPAD values followed a somewhat similar stages (Stanley and Rhoads, 1977).
pattern; increasing from 48.0 at the early sampling date (V6) in Although the leaf SPAD readings varied significantly with the
‘Kandy Plus’ to 56.4 at R1 in ‘Sugar Ace’ (Table 5). Therefore, N-rates, it is difficult to identify specific critical SPAD values
the average critical SPAD values pooled over the two years were when seasons and cultivars are variables, as observed in this
≈ 49-53 units at V6-7, ≈ 46-52 units at V10 and ≈54-59 units at study. This calls for a specified range of SPAD values (critical
R1 growth stages. SPAD values) for a specific site within which application of N
fertilizer is not necessary. However, there are other underlying
Discussion factors such as the inherent soil N content and the environment,
In the present study, leaf ‘SPAD chlorophyll’ measurements which have to be taken to account. The fairly uniform critical
followed a distinct pattern of change over time with different N SPAD readings at the maximum marketable yields indicate that
fertilizer rates, increasing early in the season up to R1 (silking), there is a strong relationship between the marketable yield and
and declining thereafter at R3 (milk stage or harvesting) and leaf SPAD readings especially early in the season, at V7 and V10
concurrently increasing with increase in N rate. Similar positive growth stages. This observation also shows promise for utilization
correlations between leaf SPAD readings and leaf tissue N of the SPAD meter in prediction of sweet corn N status early in
concentration have been reported in corn (Sunderman and Lamm, the growing season. The range of critical SPAD values can be
1991; Schepers et al., 1992; Wood et al., 1992), wheat (Reeves et considered as benchmarks above which no further addition of N
al., 1993), potatoes (Minotti et al., 1994), strawberry (Himelrick would be necessary. Minotti et al. (1994) estimated threshold
et al., 1993), bell pepper (Hartz et al., 1993), apples (Neilsen et SPAD values for potatoes, which are the same as critical SPAD
al., 1995) and tomato (Sandoval-Villa et al., 2000). Bullock and values within a range from ≈ 49-56 units; these were considered
Anderson (1998) reported an increase in SPAD values in corn as tentative benchmarks above which no further addition of N was
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 Evaluation of SPAD chlorophyll fluorescence for on-site nitrogen assessment in drip fertigated sweet corn 17

necessary. However, in the present study, the lack of consistency Hartz, T.K, M. LeStrange and D.M. May, 1993. Nitrogen requirements
between the years with respect to the maximum N rate depicts of drip irrigated peppers. HortScience, 28: 1097-1099.
variations between seasons. That not withstanding, leaf SPAD Himelrick, D.G., W.A. Dozier Jr., C.W. Wood and R.R. Sharpe, 1993.
readings can be given as ranges within which it is possible to Determination of strawberry nitrogen status with SPAD chlorophyll
meter. Advanced Strawberry Research, 12: 49-53.
correct any moderate in-seaon nitrogen deficiencies.
Minolta, 1989. SPAD-502 Owner’s Manual. Industrial Meter Division.
Results from this study have shown that there are unique inherent Minolta Corp., Ramsey, N. J.
differences between cultivars with regard to leaf greenness and Minotti, P.L., D.E. Halseth and J.B. Sieczka, 1994. Field chlorophyll
leaf N concentration and yield potential. Generally, ‘Sugar measurements to assess the nitrogen status of potato varieties.
Ace’ cultivar consistently had higher leaf SPAD values and HortScience, 29: 1497-1500.
leaf N concentration at each growth stage and N fertilizer rate Neilsen, D., E.J. Hogue, G.H. Neilsen and P. Parchomchuk, 1995.
compared to ‘Kandy Plus’. However, these differences may not Using SPAD-502 values to assess the nitrogen status of apple trees.
be too critical to limit the use of the SPAD meter across cultivars, HortScience, 30: 508-512.
especially within a range of critical SPAD values to determine Nelson D.W and L.E. Sommers, 1980. Total nitrogen analysis of soil
and plant tissues. J. Assoc. Anal. Chem., 63: 770-778.
the plant N status in sweet corn. Significant cultivar effects on

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the SPAD readings has also been noted in potatoes (Minotti et Reeves, D.W., P.L. Mask, C.W. Wood and D.P. Delaney, 1993.
Determination of wheat nitrogen status with a hand-held chlorophyll
al., 1994), maize (Schepers et al., 1992), apples (Neilsen et al., meter: Influence of management practices. Journal Plant Nutrition,
1995) and tomatoes (Sandoval-Villa et al., 2000). 16: 781-796.
Diagnosis of sweet corn N status using the SPAD meter may be Sandoval-Villa, M., E.A. Guertal and C.W. Wood, 2000. Tomato leaf
limited by the fact that a large portion of the leaf N is in the form chlorophyll meter readings as affected by variety, nitrogen form,
and nighttime nutrient solution strength. Journal Plant Nutrition,
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as suggested by Takebe and Yoneyama (1989). In studies
SAS, 1982. SAS User’s Guide: Statistics, 1982 Edition. Cary, NC: SAS
conducted on rice, little NO3- nitrogen was found in the leaves at Institute Inc.
any stage of growth, even though there were highly significant Schepers, J.S., D.D. Francis, M. Vigil and F.E. Below, 1992. Comparison
and positive correlations between the SPAD readings and the leaf of corn leaf nitrogen concentrations and chlorophyll meter readings.
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In conclusion, the significant relationship between leaf SPAD and Stanley, R.L. and F.M. Rhoads, 1977. Effect of time, rate, and increment
of applied fertilizer on nutrient uptake and yield of corn. Soil and
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