Plant analysis is the tool for quantitative monitoring and
diagnosing of the nutritional status of plants and herbs,
especially in case crops of commercial importance. Carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen are not analyzed routinely because they come
from air or water and virtually never limit plant growth. Chlorine
is normally sufficient under field conditions, but it may become
excessive in saline soils. It is usually analyzed in special cases
only. Similarly, molybdenum deficiency or toxicity is rare, and
this element is not analyzed routinely. Thus, plant analysis
usually refers to analysis of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),
potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe),
manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Aluminum
(Al) and sodium (Na) are sometimes included even though they are
not essential elements. Aluminum can be toxic in acid soils, and
sodium improves the quality of some crops such as beets and celery.
Plant analysis is distinguished from tissue testing in that it is a
quantitative laboratory analysis; whereas tissue testing refers to
semi-quantitative "quick" tests of plant sap carried out in the
field for trouble-shooting purposes. Plant analysis is unique from
other crop diagnostic tests in that it gives an overall picture of
the nutrient levels within the plant at the time the sample was
taken. Its use is based on the principle that the nutrient level
present is a result of all factors affecting the growth of the
plant. Scientific tests and comprehensive elemental analysis has
provided the much needed information to the farmers, orchardists
and foresters, for understanding the major issues with crop
success. Nutrient management of crops is achievable by diagnosing
existing problems with the crop, as a means of trouble shooting on
the basis of previous scientific evaluations. This can be very
helpful to predict the crop quality and optimize the crop
production and yield on the basis of nutritional, growth and
environmental factors. In addition, the mobility and uptake of
major nutrients by the root system is also dependent on the
specific nutrient distribution and the growth requirement of the
crop. This book is concentrated not only on the studies of
classical total chemical element to dry matter concentration, but
also towards the new genetic tools for physiological
characterization of plants crops. Interest in plant analysis as a
crop management tool has been stimulated in recent years by
increased use of scouting programs and crop consultants and by a
higher level of sophistication among farmers themselves. In
addition, narrowing profit margins and the continual pursuit of
higher yields has spurred this interest. The information provided
through plant analysis helps farmers with decisions on fertilizer
effectiveness, the need for additional nutrients, and planning
fertilizer programs for future years. If used properly, plant
analysis can be an important guide to efficient crop production
because it provides a nutritional profile of the growing plant.
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