Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
When plant sampling diagnostic tool was introduced, it was intended to either help diagnose nutrient related problems or track the nutrient status of high-yielding crops. In today’s agriculture, nutrient deficiencies are not common. Therefore, the use of plant analysis as a diagnostic tool has diminished. Nevertheless, the value of plant analysis as a monitoring tool remains.
Sampling the correct plant part at the correct time is critical to ensure accurate results. In addition, sampling multiple plants to form a single composite sample is crucial to ensure that the concentration number obtained from the lab is meaningful and represents a true average from the collection area. Table 1 shows a summary of which plant parts to sample. Samples can be air dried by placing them in a warm area with a fan blowing air across them. To lessen the risk of molding, store samples in paper bags prior to drying or sending samples to the lab. Do not store plant samples in sealed plastic bags.
Taking plant samples early in the season
An analysis of nutrient concentration only, is usually not effective in diagnosing many problems. Calculation of nutrient uptake is a better choice. Why? Nutrients, even though one or more may be deficient, are usually more concentrated in stunted plants. For example, the concentration of nitrogen may be greater in plants that are 12 inches in height compared to plants that are much taller. The nitrogen is simply diluted by carbohydrates in plants that are much taller. Calculation of nutrient uptake is a better approach. To calculate nutrient uptake, make sure you:
- dry plants collected
-get an accurate mass
- complete an analyses of the plant material.
To calculate nutrient uptake, multiply plant dry weight by nutrient concentration. Knowing the number of plants sampled, uptake for an individual plant can be determined. To measure nutrient uptake there must be access to an oven that will dry a sample rapidly and a scale or electronic balance that can measure small differences in weight. So, some planning is needed if there is intent to calculate nutrient uptake. In diagnostic situations, collect soil samples whenever and wherever you collect plant samples. Analysis of soil samples can often provide a good indication of nutrient deficiencies. By comparing the results of the analysis of soil samples collected, you can confirm or reject suspected nutrient deficiencies.
Hope this helps I did a project just like this.