TISSUE LEAF ANALYSIS
Ensure optimum returns and profitability with a total nutrient leaf analysis
Nutrient Deficiencies
*Once a deficiency has been observed in a crop the maximum potential yield can never be achieved. Once you have seen a visual it is estimated there is a potential 30% loss
Growers need to use tissue analysis as a tool for the identification of mineral deficiencies.
Factors effecting the visual identification of mineral deficiencies
- intensity/severity of deficiency
- rate of plant development
- occurrence of multiple deficiencies
- confusion with insect and/or root disease effects on crops
- chemical effects on crops
Leaf sampling importance of and what you can achieve
Knowing the nutrient value of your trees is invaluable in helping you to achieve your goals.
- Identify limiting nutritional factors – these can be different from those in your soil
- Achieving optimum tree health – poor tree health is reflected in fruit quality and storage life
- Achieving optimum yields
- Achieving optimum fruit quality – Identifying nutrient deficiencies will help to guarantee fruit quality and minimise losses through rejection due to bad quality and poor storage
- Achieving optimum financial return – unidentified nutrient deficiencies will eat away your profits
- Achieving optimum bud initiation for the next crop
A total APAL nutrient analysis enables you or your agronomist to formulate and exact foliar program.
Leaf/Soil analysis: There are significant differences between a soil and plant leaf analysis
LEAF (TISSUE) ANALYSIS
Represents plant nutrient levels and uptake of elements as a result of soil levels and soil imbalances.
A leaf analysis is not always an indication of soil levels.
SOIL ANALYSIS
Shows available soil elements and mineral imbalances.
Plant uptake can be different due to soil imbalances.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN A LEAF AND A SOIL ANALYSIS and the IMPORTANCE OF BOTH
A leaf analysis can often be seen as a reflection of the soil in that it reflects what nutrients the soils mineral balance is allowing the plant to extract eg. High soil potassium inhibit plant uptake of magnesium, high magnesium soils inhibit plant potassium, high sodium inhibits plant potassium and calcium and high soil calcium inhibits plant uptake of most trace elements, so we often see a mineral deficiency in the plant when there may be ample levels in the soil. As long as there is antagonism between minerals in the soil we will always see deficiencies in the leaf.
Another factor to consider in a leaf analysis result is:
Growth patterns.
During periods of high growth elements are more diluted in the plant tissue and deficiencies may show in an analysis.
Foliar Fertilisers are essential in balancing plant nutrition
Mineral fertilisers consisting of both major and trace elements are readily absorbed through the leaf surface and can provide essential nutrients to correct identified deficiencies and excesses
Foliar Fertilisation should be based on a leaf analysis and if available combined with the results of a soil analysis
Advantages:
Precise application rate according to crop requirements
- Precise application timing according to crop requirements
- Effects of interactions with other nutrients avoided
- Can correct deficiencies quickly
- Used correctly can increase efficiency of soil applied nutrients
- Requires at least two applications for optimum results
Foliar spray rates need to be in proportion with the crop demand, and application rates should not be multiplied with the hope of a better response.