Plant analysis
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PLANT ANALYSIS
Each plant contains a certain concentration of nutrients necessary for normal development and growth. Plants need macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) in large quantities, mesoelements (calcium, magnesium, sulfur) in medium quantities and microelements (zinc, manganese, copper, iron, boron and molybdenum) in small quantities. The plant receives all nutrients from the soil and mineral fertilizers. Other elements that crops need – hydrogen, oxygen, carbon – come from water and the atmosphere.
WHY PLANT ANALYSIS IS NEEDED
The main objectives of plant material diagnostics:
- determining the concentration of essential nutrients necessary for plant development;
- in case of external signs of deficiency – determination of which nutrient is deficient;
- monitoring the level of nutrient supply of plants to achieve the planned yield.
WHO NEEDS PLANTS ANALYSIS
Most farmers and agronomists use plant material analysis data to understand which nutrients in a plant are deficient or in excess of the optimal concentration required for normal plant growth.
CAUSES DEFICIENCY / EXCESS OF NUTRIENTS IN PLANTS
In most cases, deficiency or excess of nutrients occurs due to:
- poor culture of agriculture;
- excessive intake of nutrients;
- non-compliance of soil analysis recommendations.
High phosphorus can cause zinc deficiency for crops that are sensitive to it, such as corn. Large amounts of potassium can cause magnesium deficiency if it low in soil.
WHAT DOES THE PLANT DIAGNOSTICS CONSIST OF
Analysis of plants includes determining the total concentration of the following elements:
Nitrogen,%
Phosphorus,%
Potassium,%
Calcium,%
Magnesium,%
Sulfur,%
Zinc, ppm
Manganese, ppm
Iron, ppm
Copper, ppm
Borum, ppm
Molybdenum, ppm
Only a comprehensive solution, namely the timely analysis of soil in conjunction with the analysis of plants will help you avoid a deficiency or excess of nutrients and get the planned yield.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PLANT SAMPLES SELECTION
WHERE TO SELECT
Paper envelope, or any other paper container – ideal for transferring plant samples to the laboratory
Selected samples should be delivered to the laboratory for analysis as soon as possible
DO NOT place plant samples in plastic containers or in containers with ZIP locks
WHEN TO SELECT
The optimal time / stage for plant selection is flowering stage
Plant analysis. Main principles
An example of the results of the analysis of plants
An example of the analysis of the leaves of blueberries
Ordering sheet for plant analysis
Nutrient defeciency of elements
Diagram of sampling for the analysis of plants