ABSTRACT

Plant analysis for mineral nutrient elements is based on the concept that the concentration of an essential nutrient element in a plant, or part of the plant, is an indication of the supply of that nutrient. The soil test level and amounts of nutrients added in fertilizers, manures, crop residues and soil amendments are key factors. Plant analysis refers to the quantitative analysis for the total amount of essential elements in plant tissue. It should be distinguished from rapid plant tissue tests. Another use for plant analysis is to determine the amount of nutrients in the total above-ground plant, or in the harvested grain. When these data are given for several yield levels the increasing nutrient needs for higher yields are emphasized. A tissue test is the determination of the amount of a plant nutrient in the sap of the plant. This is a semi-quantitative measurement of the unassimilated, soluble contents of the plant sap.