Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were developed for three high‐yield Coastal bennudagrass populations that were selected from soil fertility studies that contained six rates each of N, P, and K. Norms from the high‐yield population that was based on a single yield level at a given harvest date were considered most suitable. The relative importance of criteria used to select suitable diagnostic parameters was discussed along with composition of index equations. The norms developed from Coastal bennudagrass grown on anAquic Fragiudalfsoil in south Louisiana accurately predicted yield responses to N, P and K applications at that location and to P, S, and Mg applications onTypic Paleudultsoils in north Louisiana. A computer generated DRIS balance chart was designed to provide a visual interpretation of individual sets of DRIS indices.