Laserfiche WebLink
Special care is required intaking plant tis samples. Representative plant tissue sag0nd <br /> can be taken early in the growing <br /> seal�on to assist in the interpretation of so ests. For small grain crops all the above portion should be sampled. For <br /> alfalfa�or lather forage legumes, the top 6 inches(15 cm)should consist of the first fully mature leaves. Normally, 25 plants <br /> should be sampled to provide a good representation of the field and ensure a sufficient quantity of the sample for complete <br /> analysis. The fresh samples should be air-dried to remove excess moisture before they are shipped to a lab. <br /> Plant tissue samples should be taken from both an affected area and an adjacent area of good crops growth for comparison. <br /> Taking soil and plant tissue samples at the same time will aid in determining if a micronutrient is deficient.A range of levels <br /> of micronutrients has been established for a number of crops at various stages of growth. Table 3 gives typical values for <br /> alfalfa, cereals and canola. For specific range values for various crops, as well as interpretation of test results, contact the <br /> Alberta Agricultural Soil and Animal Nutrition Laboratory in Edmonton or a soil specialist. <br /> Table 3.Typical micronutrient levels in parts per million m . <br /> Alfalfa: upper 15 cm at 10% bloom <br /> Nutrient Low Marginal Sufficient <br /> Boron <20 20-30 30 <br /> Copper <4 4-8 8 <br /> Iron 20 20-30 30 <br /> Maganese <15 15-25 25 <br /> Molybdenum <0.5 0.5-1.0 1.0 <br /> Zinc <12 �12-20 20 <br /> Cereals:whole plant prior to filling <br /> Nutrient Low Marginal Sufficient <br /> Boron 3 3-5 5 <br /> Copper-barley <2.3 2.3-3.7 3.7 <br /> -wheat <3 3-4.511 4.5 <br /> -oats <1.7 1.7-2.5 2.5 <br /> Iron <15 15-20 1 20 <br /> Maganese <10 10-15 15 <br /> Molybdenum <0.01 0.01-0.02 0.02 <br /> Zinc <12 10-15 15 <br /> Canola: at Flowering <br /> Boron <20— I20-30 11 30 <br /> Copper <1.7 1.7-2.7 2.7 <br /> Iron <15 15-20 1 20 <br /> Manganese <10 10-15 15 <br /> Molybdenum - - I - <br /> IVFc777 <12 12-15=1 15 <br /> Critical levels have not been established for chlorine. <br /> Source:Alberta Agriculture data and the former Manitoba Provincial Soil Testing Laboratory <br /> Micronutrient Application in Test Strips <br /> Even after observing micronutrient deficiency symptoms and conducting soil and plant tissue analyses it still can be difficult <br /> to predict if a profitable yield response will occur. Therefore, the micronutrient suspected of being deficient should be applied <br /> to a small affected area of the field in a carefully marked test strip.Visual observations and yields from the treated and <br /> untreated areas should be taken to determine if a measurable response occurred. <br /> Micronutrient Fertilizers <br /> For the most current information on micronutrient recommendations, sources and methods of application for specific crops <br /> on problem soils, a regional soil or crop production specialist should be consulted. <br /> Micronutrient fertilizers are either in inorganic form (readily soluble inorganic salt)or organic form.Table 4 lists some <br /> common inorganic micronutrient fertilizers. The inorganic forms are the most economical. The organic sources are synthetic <br /> chelates which are considered to be more available in some soil types. <br />