Plant testing - how to

   
​Ensure accurate results by following this how to test guide.  Plant testing shows the uptake of nutrients by plants and helps identify deficiencies which may affect plant or animal production.
Follow these simple steps to ensure accurate results Follow these simple steps to ensure accurate results

What plant part do I sample?

Because the critical nutrient concentrations for different crop types are specific to parts of the plant and stage of growth, it is important to adhere to the plant sampling guide.  Failure to do so may lead to misleading results and advice.
 

How do I sample for plant anaylsis?

 
  1. Ensure hands are clean or if using shears or scissors ensure these are also clean, as rust or soil can contaminate samples.  Recent applications of fertiliser, foliar feeds and certain pesticides may affect the results.

  2. When sampling take plant tissue from a representative number of different sampling sites or plants (more than 15 is desirable, if unsure refer to ARL’s plant sampling guide).

  3. For pasture samples walk along your chosen transects (lines) taking a handful of pasture every 10-20 metres.  Each sample should be made up of 15 or more handfuls of pasture.  Please provide enough sample by filling the sample bag provided (equivalent to 2 litres for a mixed pasture or ½ litre for a clover only sample).  Take the sample at animal grazing height.  For arable and horticultural crops refer to ARL’s plant sampling guide.  In the case of fruit trees and vines it is recommended to mark the trees or vines that you have sampled from, so that you can return to these same trees for future sampling.

  4. Clearly identify the sample and the block the sample came from on the bag and submission form.

  5. Squeeze the air out of the sample bag before sealing it tightly.

  6. Fill in the submission form and put the samples plus the submission form in the pre-paid courier bag and send them to ARL immediately or store in refrigerator (any delay exposes the sample to excess heat and moisture and can affect the analysis).
 
For further information or to make arrangements for testing please contact our Ravensdown Customer Centre on 0800 100 123 or contact ARL directly on 0800 100 668.