Also, it is not a reliable indicator of nutrients that leach readily from the soil such as nitrogen or sulfur or of certain micronutrients. It is, however, the best way to assess soil pH. Plant tissue analysis measures all essential plant nutrients and indicates whether the sample tissue contains an adequate concentration at the current time. Alone it does not provide enough information to explain why nutrient levels may be high or low. Together, soil testing and plant tissue analysis form a powerful tool for assessing nutrient problems. With plant analysis, agronomists can pinpoint the fertilizer needs of a crop and make precise recommendations that are environmentally sound.
Growers can then maximize crop yield and quality while protecting land and water resources.
Diagnostic analysis involves taking samples from unhealthy or discolored plants to find out if any nutrient concentrations are too high or too low. Monitoring Nutrient Status Growers can monitor the nutrient status of healthy crops to identify changes in nutrient needs as the growing season progresses. By taking tissue samples regularly, growers can correct nutrient problems before symptoms appear. Monitoring nutrient status is most profitable for high-value, intensively managed crops like cotton, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables. Adjustments to fertilization based on samples collected weekly or biweekly throughout the fruiting season have a major impact on final yields.