Plant, Soil, Water Analysis for Greenhouses and Nurseries

Irrigation and fertilizer water sampling for container plant potting media

For container nurseries, it is best to monitor both the fertility and physical properties of the potting media. This testing monitors the consistency of the mix components, along with the uniformity of the mixing process. This data becomes the “baseline” levels that the plants will initially grow in. From this point, the routine testing will follow the effects of the cultural management practices to determine if adjustments should be made. 

When plants are in a deficient or excessive growing system, they may not show the symptoms immediately. When the problem is identified early enough, it can be corrected and avoid affecting the appearance of the plants.

This is particularly important for Holiday crops that are grown to be ready for sale at a set date or period, where there will be less time for adjustments to be implemented.

Irrigation water testing is also very important for nursery production. The raw irrigation water may require treatment, such as acidification, in order to provide the best water for irrigating the crops being grown. Testing of the fertilizer solutions used at the nursery determines if the fertilizer materials are correct and being measured accurately and dispensed at the proper rates.

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Benefits of Tissue Analysis

Routine plant tissue sampling and analysis can be used to establish a ‘baseline’ of nutrient readings for reference if future problems occur. The analysis results can be used as a fertilizer management guide for perennial plants or the results can be used to diagnose nutrient problems with both perennial and annual plants.

The use of plant tissue analysis determines the actual nutrient levels within the plants and can indicate possible imbalances with nutrients in the media and also the growth activity of the root system of the plants. This information can help in determining if there may be problems in nutrient uptake, unavailability of nutrients or possibly environmental problems.

General Soil Health Package

S-15-R
Our most commonly ordered test package. Provides information on soil health and fertility + recommendations
$ 186
  • Fertility Analysis pH, electrical conductivity, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium
  • Sodium, Chloride, Sulfate and Boron from saturated paste extract
  • DTPA extracted Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron
Popular

Complete Plant Tissue Elemental Analysis

P-1-R
$ 163
  • N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, B, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mo, Na, Si

Substrate Growing Media Appraisal Package OM-1-R

Complete chemical and physical analyses for potted plant media/ substrate + recommendations
$ 324
  • pH, electrical conductivity, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium
  • Sodium, Chloride, Sulfate and Boron from saturated paste extract
  • DTPA extracted Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron
  • Porosity and Moisture Holding Capacity of Media
  • Cation Exchange Capacity

Complete Water or Fertilizer Analysis Package

W-1-R
$ 210
  • pH, Electrical Conductivity, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride
  • carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorous
  • boron, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, silicon, molybdenum

Choose a Testing Package

Download the Submission Form

Please fill out the form and include the following information with your sample:

  • Name
  • Address and phone number
  • Email Address
  • Planting Situation i.e. Established / New Garden, New Homesite
  • Sample Identification
  • Conventional or organic fertilizer recommendations
  • Test Package
  • Additional information about sample i.e.: any problems or concerns
Click to Download