Analytical Testing
Analytical testing is a useful tool to address the most common cause of greenhouse crop problems, improper plant nutrition. Understanding the nutrient status of crops and inputs allows growers to adjust fertilizer applications to maximize plant growth. Growers can use test results to diagnose plant disorders and to avoid future crop problems.
Preventing Nutrient Disorders
Managing the pH of container growing-media can be a challenge. A pH too high can cause certain micronutrients to be less available to plants that can lead to deficiencies. If pH is too low, certain micronutrients can become more soluble, which can lead to toxicities for plants. Maintaining proper pH is important to be sure that all plant nutrients are at their optimum availability.
Let’s first understand pH. When pH is measured with a meter, the value is the concentration of hydrogen ions found in a solution and is expressed on a logarithmic scale.
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Analytical testing is a useful tool to address the most common cause of greenhouse crop problems,
The best way of monitoring pH is to measure it with a pH meter before it becomes problematic with a crop. Here are some pointers for selecting a pH meter and its care.
Calibrating the meter, preparing the sample and taking the measurement takes some time, but knowing the pH of the growing medium can help avoid crop problems.
The pH of the growing medium does not directly harm the plant; however, it influences the availability of nutrients that the plant can acquire from the growing medium.
Let’s start with some definitions. Electrical Conductivity (EC) is a term used to measure the electrical current that passes thru a solution and is expressed in dS/m or μmho/cm.
Maintaining proper pH is important to be sure that all plant nutrients are at their optimum availability.
These tests can serve as a guide to show what corrective measures are needed to correct / prevent nutritional problems.
