6.5 Tiny Bytes: Plant Tissue Testing 101

Ag Geek Speak

Ag Geek Speak
6.5 Tiny Bytes: Plant Tissue Testing 101
Apr 30, 2025 Season 2 Episode 6
A Podcast for Precision Agriculture Geeks

Plant tissue testing offers farmers and consultants valuable insight into crop nutrient status and helps diagnose field issues when properly conducted. We explain the science behind tissue testing and share practical tips for getting actionable results.

• Tissue testing can help to evaluate nutrient status to understand crop health at various growth stages
• Troubleshoot field issues by comparing samples from healthy and problematic areas
• It is important to sample the correct plant part according to the crop's growth stage
• Mobile nutrients show deficiency in lower leaves while immobile nutrients affect upper leaves first
• Remember to remove soil contamination from samples, especially when checking iron levels
• Tissue tests can help to identify the problem while soil tests help determine corrective actions
• Have a specific goal in mind before collecting tissue samples
• Take both tissue and soil samples when diagnosing nutrient deficiencies