The concentrations of several elements were found to be different among the margin, midrib and blade of a corn leaf. The B, Mn and Si content of the margin was higher than that in the midrib or blade. The N, P, Ca, Mg, Si, Mn, B, Cu, Zn, Al, Sr and Mo content of the midrib was less than that in the blade and margin. Element contents of quarter length sections were different as the ratio of blade to margin or midrib varied. These data demonstrate the need to specifically describe leaf sampling technique and preparatory procedure when sampling corn plants for diagnostic purposes. The author recommends that Chapman's suggested leaf sampling procedure for corn be adopted in order to minimize the influence of margin and midribs on blade analyses.
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