Leaf sampling is one of the most valuable and standardized analysis tools to monitor and diagnose nutrient status within the established orchard says Erika DeBrouwer, OMAFRA tree fruit specialist. Leaf tissue analysis tells growers which elements are present, whether they are adequate, deficient, or excessive and what nutrients were taken up. A complete leaf analysis should be highly considered because this test includes total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulphur (S), boron (B), calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu) and Sodium (Na).
Leaf tissue analysis is the most validated form of assessment and is a cost-effective approach to identify tree fruit nutrient status. It should be analyzed annually to monitor trends of nutrient levels and used in unison with other nutrient sample results, such as soil analysis, fruitlet sap analysis and harvest nutrient analysis.
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