Tissue Sampling

September 10, 2015

Tissue sampling season is upon us for winter broad acre crops. Plant tissue testing, used correctly, is a highly cost effective and strategic monitoring tool for maintaining plant health and optimising crop and pasture production. Soil testing complemented with tissue sampling over multiple years allows us to refine and efficiently apply nutrients for maximum production.

Why do we tissue sample;

• Monitor crop nutrient status for optimal crop production
• Ensure balanced plant nutrient levels for top produce quality.
• Predict plant nutrient problems during the growing season before they cause production loss.
• Understand interactions between the soil and plant nutrient uptake.
• Formulate foliar spray programs to address nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.
• Determine if applied nutrients have been taken up by the plant
• Provide a guide to animal health problems

Tissue sampling as a monitoring tool allows sampling early in the growing season to identify and make corrective fertiliser applications to reach yield targets. Similarly we can test later in the season to evaluate our nutritional program for the season, looking at nutritional inputs we need to focus on or adjust for the following season.

Tissue sampling as a diagnostic tool allows us to investigate poor and strong performing areas of the crop. By taking samples separately in each of the zones (Poor/Strong) we can compare nutritional profiles and the under lying reason for the poor growth.

Imperative –

1. Complement soil testing program with tissue sampling to build nutritional profile over multiple years
2. Sample the appropriate plant part for the plant growth stage
3. For monitoring take samples at the same time and growth stage each year
4. Utilise to investigate and confirm soil-plant interactions

For tissue sampling instructions or to request kits please refer to www.apal.com.au