Agricultural Testing & Analytics
SAMPLING PROCEDURES
PLANT TISSUE
Sample collection is critical for plant analysis as plant nutrient composition varies with age, the portion of the plant sampled, and many other factors. Mistakes or carelessness in selecting, collecting, handling, preparing, or shipping plant tissue for analysis can result in unreliable data.
TESTING WHAT
Sample Collection·
Choose the newest fully developed leaf. (A total of 5-6 leaves are needed for full analysis). Approximately 1 gram of fully dried plant material is required.
· Samples should be collected on a per strain basis.
· After a plant sample has been collected, it should be prepared for shipment or delivery to the laboratory.
· Plant tissue must be dusted off to remove soil particles.
· Lightly rinse tissue with water and pat dry.
· Make sure to note whether sample is HEALTHY OR UNHEALTHY.
· Samples should be collected on a per strain basis.
· After a plant sample has been collected, it should be prepared for shipment or delivery to the laboratory.
· Plant tissue must be dusted off to remove soil particles.
· Lightly rinse tissue with water and pat dry.
· Make sure to note whether sample is HEALTHY OR UNHEALTHY.
Sample Normal and Abnormal Areas
When a nutrient deficiency is suspected (even without visual symptoms), or there is a need to compare different areas in a field, it is recommended that similar plant parts be collected separately from both the affected plants and adjacent normal plants that are at the same stage of growth.
Do Not Include
Samples should not be taken from plants that obviously have been stressed from causes other than nutrients.
Do not take samples from plants that —
· Are dead or insect damaged;
· Are mechanically or chemically injured;
· Are dead or insect damaged;
· Are mechanically or chemically injured;
