1. May 2010 Understanding the NCDA&CS Plant Analysis Report NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Plant/Waste/Solution/Media Section

2. Report Availability NCDA&CS plant reports are posted online about two working days after samples are received. Visit www.ncagr.gov/agronomi to search.www.ncagr.gov/agronomi

3. Plant Report Data Can be used to monitor plant nutrient uptake Can be helpful in fine-tuning a fertilization program Can be used to diagnose whether symptoms are due to poor nutritional status

4. Plant Analysis Report has four main sections Farmer, Joe c/o Nash Farms 8046 Red Hills Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27807 1 2 3 4

5. Plant Analysis Report Section 1: Header Date sample was received Division phone # & Web address Report # Farm ID (if needed) County where sample was collected Very useful! Farmer, Joe c/o Nash Farms 8046 Red Hills Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27807 Grower (client) Name & Address

6. Helpful Links Include Explanatory Report Cover Sheets

7. Plant Analysis Report: Section 2: Sample Information Farmer, Joe c/o Nash Farms 8046 Red Hills Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27807

8. Sample Information This section contains identifying information provided by the client. good detail

9. Plant Analysis Report: Section 3: Laboratory Results Farmer, Joe c/o Nash Farms 8046 Red Hills Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27807

10. Data Accuracy Depends largely on the sample Quality – – representative of field conditions – – collected & handled according to recommended practices Quantity – – sufficient tissue for testing

11. Laboratory Results: Nutrient Concentrations 1)Includes concentrations of 11 of the essential plant nutrients plus sodium – Macronutrients as % values – Micronutrients as ppm

12. Laboratory Results: Nutrient Concentrations 2) 2)May include petiole nitrate N (NO 3 -N), Mo & Cl values based on crop and/or additional fee paid

13. Laboratory Results: Interpretation Indexes 50 to 74 = nutrient level is sufficient for plant growth < 25 = nutrient deficiency < 50 = reduced yield possible > 74 = additional fertilizer provides no benefit > 99 = excess nutrients present; may be toxic

14. Index Values vs. Yield

15. Laboratory Results: Ratios indicate relative balance between nutrients may indicate problems with nutrient assimilation when values are not within normal ranges

16. Laboratory Results: Obsolete Sections Ignore these areas. We don’t test for or provide these values and plan to remove these sections from our reports.

17. Plant Analysis Report: Section 4: Recommendations Farmer, Joe c/o Nash Farms 8046 Red Hills Rd Rocky Mount, NC 27807

18. Recommendations Recommendations: Manganese (Mn) concentration is deficient in your soybean sample. Deficient Mn causes interveinal yellowing in the young leaves. Poor Mn status could be due to low soil Mn index or high soil pH (manganese availability limited). A foliar application of 0.5 lb Mn/acre applied according to label directions will provide a quick temporary response. You will receive additional information upon which to base long-term corrective action upon completion of the corresponding soil test report. Michelle McGinnis, Agronomist Completed: 7/10/2008 Here, the NCDA&CS agronomist may provide nutrient management advice and suggestions for corrective action.

19. Things to Remember: Essential Nutrients There are 16 essential plant nutrients. These nutrients are supplied by the soil, air, commercial fertilizers and amendments such as waste material. Plants take up essential nutrients in predictable concentrations. N P K Ca Mg S Fe Mn Zn Cu B Mo Cl C H O

20. Things to Remember: Nutrient Levels in Tissue Optimal concentrations (or ranges of concentrations) vary by crop. Tissue analysis is a tool that measures nutrient concentration and, therefore, plant uptake. The Plant Analysis Report indicates if concentrations are within ranges that lead to optimum growth and yield.

21. Things to Remember: Reasons for Monitoring Best way to detect hidden hunger – The earlier a nutrient problem is detected, the easier it is to correct. – The sooner a nutrient problem is corrected, the lower the subsequent drop in yield. Best way to obtain the information needed to help manage fertilization program more efficiently

22. Questions ? Please contact us Email:Brenda.Cleveland@ncagr.govBrenda.Cleveland@ncagr.gov or Michelle.McGinnis@ncagr.gov Phone: 919.733.2655 Web site: www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/ Address: NCDA&CS Agronomic Division Plant/Waste/Solution/Media Section 1040 Mail Service Center Raleigh NC 27699-1040