Leaf Analysis

Traditionally, leaf analysis samples were taken when the plant or tree had reached a stable state which for tree fruit required a sample from mid-August. For strawberries, the sample was taken from a fully mature leaf prior to harvest. However, both examples make it very difficult to make a positive impact on the current crop – any nutrient applications will only help the next season.

To ensure that nutrient disorders do not have a negative impact on the current season’s potential, FAST developed the concept of early season leaf analysis for both top and soft fruit. This allows the grower to apply any nutrients required to maximise the current crop potential.

Many laboratories shy away from this because interpretation of the results is difficult. The nutritional profile of the leaves of spring growth changes rapidly, but FAST has an analytical database dating back over a number of years, we know and understand how the nutrient profile changes and can accurately interpret results at whatever stage in the season the leaf is sampled.

As the end result from the laboratory is only as good as the quality of the sample taken, it is most important to take a representative sample from the correct part of the plant at the correct growth stage. Our advisors can help you decide where to take samples from if you are at all unsure of where on the plant you should be sampling from.