Michigan State University Extension
Soils & Soil Management - Fertilizer - 06039720
07/10/97
Tri-state Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat and Alfalfa Extension Bulletin E-2567 (New), July 1995
M.L. Vitosh, Michigan State University; J.W. Johnson, The Ohio State University; D.B. Mengel, Purdue University; Co-editors
Both soil testing and plant analysis can be useful in diagnosing micronutrient deficiencies. Soil testing for micronutrients has become a widely accepted practice in recent years. Micronutrient soil tests, however, are not as reliable as tests for soil acidity (pH) or for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). For this reason, plant analysis is also very important in diagnosing micronutrient deficiencies. Combining plant analysis with soil tests provides more accurate assessment of the micronutrient status of crops and soils.
Plant analysis can be used in two ways. One is to monitor the crop's micronutrient status; the other is to diagnose a problem situation. By monitoring, plant analysis can point out an existing or potential problem before visual symptoms develop. (Vis. 25) is a guide to interpreting the adequacy of primary, secondary and micronutrients in specific plant tissues sampled at the suggested times. These sufficiency ranges should not be used when other plant parts are sampled or when samples are taken at different times.
If you suspect a nutrient deficiency problem, don't wait for the suggested sampling time to get a plant analysis. Collect plant samples from both problem and normal-appearing plants. Take whole plants if the plants are small; take leaf samples if the plants are large. Corresponding soil samples should also be taken from each area to help confirm the deficiency.
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| Nutrient sufficiency ranges for corn, soybeans, alfalfa & wheat - 30K |
