The Rural Voice, 1987-09, Page 53ADVICE
PLANT ANALYSIS
A HELPFUL TOOL
Plant analysis, while not a substitute
for soil analysis, is a very good "second
opinion" when used along with a soil
test. Plant analysis can be used to verify
a suspected nutrient deficiency or to
evaluate the effectiveness of a fertility
program.
The accuracy of a plant analysis
depends on how the sample is taken and
how it is handled. Only the leaves or
parts of plants of the same age and
relative position on the plant should be
sampled, and a sufficient number of
plants should be used (20 or 30 leaves
per sample).
Crops should be sampled at a spe-
cific growth stage: corn at silking, al-
falfa at late bud, and soybean at first
flowering.
When sampling mixed stands such
as legume and grass mixtures, the plant
species should be separated.
If possible, try not to sample crops
that have been under severe stress for
some time because the results may not
give a true picture of their nutrient
status.
Avoid sampling plants that are dis-
eased or injured by chemicals.
Never mix varieties (hybrids) of the
same crop in the same sample because
different varieties have different abili-
ties to accumulate and use plant food
elements. For example, corn leaves
from different hybrids can vary by as
much as 50 per cern in their content of
major elements and by more than 100
per cent in their content of micronutri-
ents.
When taking plant samples for
analysis, take care not to contaminate
the sample with dust or soil. Even a
small amount of soil on the leaves will
invalidate the results. Also avoid con-
tact with galvanized metal, brass, or
copper.
Place the samples in a Large paper
bag and air dry them for several days
before shipment to the laboratory.
Never place samples in a plastic bag
before they are completely dry.0
Adrien Gallant
Nutrite Inc.
Elmira, Ontario
Established 1884
ATWOOD, ONTARIO
Coverage for Farm, Home and Auto.
For Information Contact the Agent in your area.
— Denstedt Insurance
— Paul Goetz Insurance
— Hammond Insurance
— Knight Insurance
— Landon Insurance
— Milverton Insurance Brokers
— O'Grady Insurance
— O'Reilly Insurance
— Smith Insurance Brokers
— Wylie Insurance Brokers
HEAD OFFICE — 130 John
Phone: (519) 356-2582
Milverton
Fergus
Atwood
Brussels
Listowel
Milverton
Listowel
Alma
Arthur
Gorrie
Harriston
Street, Atwood,
519-595-4923
519-595-8711
519-843-5985
519-356-2873
519-356-9029
519-887-6476
519-291-1605
519-595-8108
519-291-2639
519-638-3149
519-848-3938
519-335-3193
519-338-3847
Ontario, NOG 1 BO
1-800-265-2389
ATTENTION
WOODLOT OWNERS
Thinking of selling firewood, sawlogs? The Ministry of
Natural Resources has experienced and professional staff to
provide advice and management expertise in managing your
woodlot.
Services provided include:
1. Marking of trees for cutting
2. Advertising of your marked sawlogs
3. Tips on marketing forest products
Give us a call. All services are FREE. In Grey and Bruce
Counties contact the Ministry of Natural Resources in Owen
Sound at (519) 376-3860 or toll free 1-800-265-3720.
Ministry of
Natural Mary Mogford
Resources Deputy Minister
Hon. Vincent G. Kerrio
Minister
SEPTEMBER 1987 51