This approach has worked well for long-season crops such as sugarbeets, corn and potatoes. Samples are analyzed and any nutrients found to be inadequate are provided, usually by fertigation. Deficiencies of forage crops also can be corrected during the growing season between cuttings. Small grains are short-season crops, and nutrients must be provided early in the spring to be effective. Tissue testing will only be useful to correct problems for the next crop.
Growers often see areas of poor growth or abnormal plants in their fields.
If diseases are ruled out, tissue tests can help diagnose a nutrient deficiency. Sulfur deficiency is a good example. Sulfur deficiency usually appears as spotty areas of yellowish plants. Such symptoms can be confused with a number of other problems. Tissue tests are particularly useful for diagnosing other micronutrient problems as well.