The implementation of the SPAD-502 Chlorophyll meter for the quantification of nitrogen content in Arabica coffee leaves

Suwimon Wicharuck; Sutasinee Suang; Chatchawan Chaichana; Yupa Chromkaew; Nipon Mawan; Phonlawat Soilueang; Nuttapon Khongdee

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2024.102566

The implementation of the SPAD-502 Chlorophyll meter for the quantification of nitrogen content in Arabica coffee leaves

MethodsX. 2024 Jan 11:12:102566. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102566. eCollection 2024 Jun.

Authors

Suwimon Wicharuck^{1

2}, Sutasinee Suang³, Chatchawan Chaichana², Yupa Chromkaew⁴, Nipon Mawan³, Phonlawat Soilueang^{3

4}, Nuttapon Khongdee³

Affiliations

¹ Office of Administration Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
² Energy Technology for Environment Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
³ Department of Highland Agriculture and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
⁴ Department of Plant and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

Abstract

The utilization of a non-destructive SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, which enables the measurement of nitrogen status in plant leaves, has gained popularity in agronomic crops. Its application to horticultural crops like coffee remains relatively uncommon. The device provides quick and real-time measurements, helping to provide on-time nitrogen fertilizer to coffee plants before deficiency signs occur. Coffee leaves are characterized by thick and waxy leaves, together with many layers of tree crown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a method for measuring nitrogen levels in coffee plants using the SPAD-502 Chlorophyll meter for an appropriate nitrogen fertilizer application rate in Arabica coffee plants. •Coffee trees were separated into upper, middle and lower levels. Data on SPAD values and total nitrogen were analyzed.•Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R), Coefficient of Determination (R²) and linear regression were calculated for different three levels of both SPAD-502 and total nitrogen values.•The results revealed a strong correlation (R² = 0.63) between the SPAD readings of coffee leaves obtained from the upper canopy and their nitrogen content. These findings can provide a good concept of which coffee crown level will be a better part for measuring N content using a SPAD-502 Chlorophyll meter.

Keywords: Arabica Coffee leaves; Highland agriculture; Leaf greenness; Non-destructive nitrogen measurement in specific coffee crown level; SPAD-502; Total nitrogen.