Although leaf analysis is routinely used in many Australian and overseas agricultural
industries for nutrient diagnostic and/or advisory purposes, it is seldom used for
commercial purposes within the Australian sugar industry. This paper reviews the local
and international experiences relating to foliar testing in sugarcane production, and
reports on investigations aimed at improving the interpretative skills associated with
leaf analysis. The need for increased local usage of leaf analysis is explained,
particularly in light of important potential roles within the industry. These include
improved diagnostic capabilities, monitoring of nutrient trends within the industry and
providing a basis for checking on the adequacy of fertiliser recommendations. Leaf
sampling requirements, prerequisites and procedures are explained to ensure effective
leaf analysis. It is concluded that there is a need to take account of varietal differences,
age of the crop at sampling, climatic conditions and soil properties when interpreting
leaf analytical data. As moisture stress can affect leaf nutrient values, it is important that strategies exist either to preclude this effect or to identify its occurrence. Renewed usage of leaf analysis within the Australian industry will not only have important implications for nutritional research and extension, but will also ensure that growers are able to make more informed decisions regarding nutrient management on the farm .