Plant samples and analyzes - what do we need to know?

For an increasing number of farmers, a key factor in achieving optimal results in the field is more precise control during the growing season of plants and the planning of follow-up actions related to crop nutrition.

The sampling of plants and their analysis, together with the accompanying soil samples, provide precise information on the specific needs of the crop in relation to the individual phases of development. Thus, it can be traced what nutrient needs plants have and what needs to be done to have optimal amounts of macro- and micronutrients.

Plant analysis is part of the science of plant nutrition and is commonly used for two main reasons:

• diagnostic— to determine the cause of poor growth and development
• monitoring— to monitor and evaluate the practices used for plant nutrition (fertilization)

One of the things you can do on your farm to check the current condition of the crops as well as the fertilization program is to plant analyzes.

How, when and in what way to take plant samples for analysis from corn and sunflower?

In both cultures, it is important that the plant sample be representative. What does this mean?:

• at least 10 days have passed since spraying or fertilizing
• there should be no dew on the plants
• Avoiding areas with differences in terrain
• forming the sample from different parts of the block or field

In sunflower we can take samples from the third leaf phase to the budding phase, taking the youngest, fully developed leaf for analysis.

In this culture, it is important to know that cotyledons DO NOT count as a pair.

In the case of maize, we can take samples in several phases:

• from the third leaf to the fifth, here we take the whole plant, cut 2 cm above the soil surface
• from the sixth leaf to sweeping — here we take the youngest, fully developed leaf (we count the leaves, the collar of which is clearly visible)
• from broom to milky ripeness — the leaf that envelops the first cob

Bonus info!

What is the importance of trace elements for plants and yields?

Most farmers focus on providing the essential nutrient macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), often underestimating the important role of micronutrients in good plant development and their impact on yield. For this reason, it is highly recommended to monitor the supply of plants with nutrients, through periodic analyzes of plant tissue. Only through them can so-called potential or hidden deficits be identified, which do not yet have visible manifestations.

The specialists of NIK Agro Service have created a useful free material about trace elements, the establishment of the conditions for the manifestation of a deficiency of a particular one and what are the requirements of crops for fertilization.

Have this valuable information on your mobile device, laptop or desktop at any timeby downloading it from the form below: