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- Plantsap Analysis for More Yield and Less Fertilizer
Are you familiair with plant sap analysis? Plant sap measurements show in a detailed and fast way the actual uptake of nutrients in the plant. Basically a kind of blood test with which you can easily measure deficiencies and excesses. Optimal uptake is good for the plant's disease resistance. Moreover, it is beneficial for the quality, strength and shelf life of fruits. How can you use plantsap analysis for more yield and less fertilizer? In this blog, the background of plant sap analysis is explained and how you can use it in your transition to regenerative agriculture with SoilBeat . Photo by tache More yield, less fertilizer with plantsap analysis Did you know that plant sap analysis has been used for a long time in greenhouse crop production, and increasingly among horticulturists? What makes plant sap analysis really essential is the fact that you can look 3 weeks into the future by comparing a young leaf with an old leaf. This allows you to anticipate with foresight to keep your plants vital. As a result you need to compensate much less with pesticides and fertilizers. A major cost saving that will significantly increase your yield! The Netherlands The Dutch NovaCropControl is the laboratory that is known worldwide for its expertise in plant sap measurements. They have put plant sap measurements on the map again! The Dutch foundation CO2L-Farming Advies also has in-house consultants who can help you interpret the results. Crop consultant John Kempf , founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture also came into contact with plant sap measurements through the Netherlands. He says that plantsap analysis can provide you the best agronomic information you will ever collect. Using sap analysis will help you to reduce fertilizer applications and it can better determine when fertilizer applications should occur to make it more efficient. He recommends that you test every 14 days so that you can see the graph nutrient movement through the season. ''Select a couple of indicator fields and test them consistently throughout the entire year'', Kempf says, ''it will be the most valuable agronomic information you'll ever collect.'' John Kempf: Plant sap analysis can provide you the best agronomic information you will ever collect. In this article you can read more about his story, he explains the difference with tissue testing and gives tips, for example on how best to get started. SoilBeat SoilBeat helps agronomists to save time, provide better recommendations and help more farmers. SoilBeat is a powerful solution that analyses soil & plant data, enabling agronomists to provide better guidance to their farmer customers while saving time. With the streamlined workflow and shared interfaces, SoilBeat makes the interaction with the farmer easy and straightforward. SoilBeat helps you with action plans based on your plant sap measurements – making it easy to transition to regenerative agriculture and monitor your nature-inclusive farming practices. SoilBeat helps farmers to maintain yields, boost plant & soil health and get incentivized for ecosystem services as they transition to regenerative agriculture. Our intuitive app is conveniently shared with agronomists for expert guidance and helps to translate soil & plant data into actionable nutrient and treatment recommendations, while the dashboard makes it easy to monitor the effectiveness. Why don't you give SoilBeat a try and find out for yourself? Get a demo account ! Do you want to read more about plant sap analysis? Have a look at the following interesting sources: Our FAQ about plantsap analyses Acres USA : Plant sap analysis (handouts) Advancing Eco Agriculture about Plant Health Advanced Eco Ag - The Plant Health Pyramid John Kempf : all he has written about plant sap Research on Plant Sap Test as Guide for Foliar N, K, Mn, and Lime on Cotton and Soybean Aptus Plant Tech - Nutrient Interactions & Antagonism New Age laboratories - Plant Sap Analysis NovaCropControl - Plant sap- and water analyses
- Ammonium vs Calcium: The Nutrient Balancing Act for Thriving Plants
In the world of plant nutrition, Ammonium (NH4+) and Calcium (Ca2+) are two key players that must work together to ensure healthy growth and development. Let's dive into the roles of these essential nutrients and explore how finding the right balance can lead to a thriving plant kingdom. Ammonium: The Growth Accelerator Ammonium, a nitrogen powerhouse , is the fuel that drives rapid plant growth. It's the construction crew of the plant world, working tirelessly to build new leaves and stems. Ammonium is crucial for the synthesis of chlorophyll, the green pigment that enables plants to harness the power of the sun through photosynthesis. With Ammonium on the job, plants can quickly reach for the sky and develop lush, vibrant foliage. Calcium: The Structural Mastermind While Ammonium focuses on growth, Calcium is the architect that ensures the plant's structure is sound and resilient. As a key component of cell walls, Calcium provides strength and stability to the plant's foundation. It's the unsung hero working behind the scenes to fortify the plant against environmental stressors, pests, and diseases. With Calcium on the team, plants can stand tall and weather any storm. The Nutrient Tug-of-War Although both Ammonium and Calcium are essential for plant health, their relationship isn't always harmonious. When Ammonium levels are excessive, it can overshadow Calcium , leading to weak cell walls and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Imagine a construction site where the crew is building without a blueprint – the result is a shaky, unstable structure. On the other hand, if Calcium dominates, plants may have a strong foundation but lack the vigorous growth that Ammonium promotes. It's like having a meticulously designed blueprint but no workers to bring the vision to life. Striking the Perfect Balance The secret to a thriving plant kingdom lies in finding the sweet spot between Ammonium and Calcium. When these nutrients work together in harmony, plants can experience the best of both worlds – robust growth and a sturdy structure. It's like a well-orchestrated construction project, where the builder and architect collaborate seamlessly to create a masterpiece. SoilBeat: Your Nutrient Balance Consultant Navigating the complex world of plant nutrition can be challenging, but SoilBeat is here to help. By analyzing your soil and plant sap data, SoilBeat acts as your on-site consultant, identifying nutrient imbalances before they escalate into major problems. With personalized recommendations and insights, SoilBeat empowers you to maintain optimal nutrient levels, ensuring your plants have the support they need to flourish. Share Your Nutrient Balancing Stories Have you encountered the Ammonium-Calcium tug-of-war in your own garden or farm? We'd love to hear your experiences and the strategies you've used to restore balance. By understanding the roles of Ammonium and Calcium and striving for a harmonious balance, we can create the ideal environment for plants to thrive . With SoilBeat as your trusted partner, you'll have the tools and knowledge to navigate the nutrient balancing act and unlock the full potential of your plants.
- Sight Unseen: Zinc Deficiency in Soil
Image Credit: Research Gate - Shahid Hussain Today we are continuing our analysis of mineral interactions with a rather overlooked one! Let’s take a closer look at Zinc (Zn), an essential micronutrient for leaf growth and biomass production. The interaction between Zinc (Zn) and Phosphorus (P) Growers often apply excess Phosphorus(P) because it is highly immobile in s oils. However, when Phosphorus(P) is applied excessively, Zinc(Zn) levels are most likely to be affected within the plant. This is because Phosphorus(P) has a repressive effect on Zinc(Zn). It is a tricky one to detect as well, because the antagonistic properties of this interaction happen in the plant rather than in the soil. When high phosphorus levels repress Zinc(Zn) , absorption by roots decreases. Plant growth continues but Zinc(Zn) concentration gets lower. Iron deficiency tends to occur in the plant, and even Phosphorus(P) toxicity . Visibly, this causes smaller leaf size and lower yields . In case I experience Zinc deficiency, how can I achieve Zinc balance? In case of Zinc deficiency, Foliar Zinc(Zn) applications could h elp balance antagonisms from phosphorus. Understanding the relationship between microbial levels and Phosphorus(P) availability can help decrease the need for excess Phosphorus(P) additions while increasing Zinc(Zn) concentrations in tissue. Do not disregard other factors that might affect Zinc(Zn) levels! If pH levels are too high, Zinc(Zn) binds to soil particles which decreases the Zinc(Zn) ions dissolved in soil solution, limiting the amount that plants can take up. If pH levels are too low, all the Zinc(Zn) is released into the soil solution, which rain or irrigation can easily wash away. Other factors like cold weather , and the soil texture itself can come into play when Zinc(Zn) deficiency occurs. How can you find out if you have this problem? The factors above may act independently . Therefore it is crucial to see indicators as a whole. There is a need for multiple testing to detect these mechanisms. Plant Sap Analysis gives you real-time information about your crop mineral absorption . It can be powerful to monitor these interactions both in the soil and the tissue. Platforms li ke SoilBeat can help you compare your indicators with weather and soil data, so that nothing goes unnoticed! For mineral interactions, a variety of different data sets are necessary to define the problem space .
Other Pages (48)
- Regenerative Agriculture | SoilBeat
Start your transition to Regenerative Agriculture with SoilBeat today and no longer guess what works on your farm. What are you waiting for? Start with SoilBeat! Regenerative Agriculture Regenerative agriculture focuses on contextual improvement of the land over time. Hence, sustaining regenerative agricultural practices rely on measuring certain indicators over time. Soil is an incredibly resilient, living entity, composed of clay, sand and silt particles. It contains the living roots of plants, threads of mycelium, animals like worms and nematodes along with tons of micro-organisms. However, this variety may sometimes lead growers to assume that the resilience of soil is unbreakable. The idea for regenerative agriculture has been around for almost half a century, in order to make sure that soil can handle being processed in different ways. In short, ensuring soil health to sustain soil yieldance. Regenerative agriculture is a concept with no unified, legally binding certifying agency. However, there are a few private certifying bodies aiming to establish guidelines. The challenge in establishing guidelines for a regenerative certification is the definition of regenerative itself. “Improving land” is subjective in many scenarios and is often dependent on personal philosophy, whereas organics has a legally binding certifying agency established in the U.S. and many European countries. It is expected that a large enough governing body to formally certify farms as regenerative over time. In that case, any farmer who wants to be certified must have access to data showing improvements on a large variety of metrics overtime. Principles of Regenerative Agriculture Reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizer Cover crops & crop rotation Minimal soil disturbance and tilling Organic nutrition to build natural resilience Rotational grazing and integrated livestock Add a general description of the items listed below. You can introduce the list and include any relevant information you want to share. Double click to edit the text. Plant Health & Plant Sap Analysis Just like a blood test can reveal a person's health status, a plant sap analysis can provide an in-depth look into a plant's nutrition and health. This analysis reveals important information about the plant's nutrient uptake, mineral deficiencies or excesses, nutrient imbalances in the soil, and plant reserves. Furthermore, it can tell you what nutrients the plant is able to use for its growth at that moment, and can even reflect its health and vitality, as well as the quality of its fruits. For farmers, getting a plant sap analysis can be the key to improve the overall health of their plants and ensure the highest quality fruits. It can also help to identify and eliminate any potential problems before they arise, leading to improved plant vitality, reduced costs and greater profits. In the FAQ you can find answers on most asked questions to us. Do you want to know more? The video below explains plant sap analysis for improving crop nutrition, using Crimson Beefsteak Tomatoes as an example. It covers important aspects of plant nutrition like nutrients, biochemical sequence, and photosynthesis. You can also read more in the sources shared below. Read more: Our FAQ about plantsap analyses Our blog about reducing fertilizer and boosting yields with Plant Sap Analysis How Plantsap and Soil Analyses contribute to Nitrogen Emission Reduction Why plant nutrition is the key towards reaching the full potential of RegenAg Acres USA: Plant sap analysis (handouts) Advancing Eco Agriculture about Plant Health Advanced Eco Ag - The Plant Health Pyramid John Kempf : all he has written about plant sap Research on Plant Sap Test as Guide for Foliar N, K, Mn, and Lime on Cotton and Soybean Aptus Plant Tech - Nutrient Interactions & Antagonism New Age laboratories - Plant Sap Analysis NovaCropControl - Plant sap- and water analyses Contact us if you have any question! Contact us Regenerative Stories See more frontrunner farmers & agronomists at CO2L Farming Contact CO2L Farming
- SoilBeat - Soil Microbiology
Learn more about the emerging trends in soil microbiology testing that have become essential tools for farmers to understand their soil health to the full extent. Soil Microbiology Emerging Trends in Soil Microbiology Testing: A Deeper Dive into Soil Health Soil microbiology testing has become an essential tool for farmers seeking a comprehensive understanding of soil health beyond basic nutrient content. New and innovative testing methods are emerging, offering insights into the complex interactions between soil microbes, nutrients, and plant health. We explore some of these cutting-edge tests, organized from most popular to least. Soil Respiration: This test is relatively simple and widely used to assess overall microbial activity in the soil, particularly in research settings. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide released from the soil, primarily through microbial respiration. Provides an overall indicator of microbial activity and decomposition rates, reflecting the soil's ability to break down organic matter and release nutrients. Can be used to monitor changes in soil health due to management practices or environmental conditions. Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) Analysis: PLFAs are unique to different microbial groups, allowing for identification and quantification of specific microbial communities in the soil. Provides insights into the overall microbial diversity, abundance, and functional groups present, indicating soil biological activity and resilience. Can be used to assess the impact of management practices on soil health and monitor changes over time. Fungal to Bacterial Ratio (F:B): PLFA analysis can determine the ratio of fungal to bacterial biomass in the soil, a key indicator of soil health and functionality. A higher F:B ratio is often associated with greater organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, while a lower ratio may indicate a predominance of bacteria involved in nitrogen cycling. DNA-Based Molecular Profiling: While not as widespread as PLFA analysis yet, DNA-based methods are rapidly gaining popularity due to their ability to provide detailed information on specific microbial groups and functional genes. Includes techniques like quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify and quantify specific genes or microbial groups. Offers a deeper understanding of the soil microbiome's structure and functional potential, revealing the presence of beneficial microbes, pathogens, and key functional genes involved in nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Enables targeted monitoring of specific microbial groups or functions for precise management decisions. Microbial Biomass Carbon and Nitrogen: This test is commonly used in conjunction with other methods to assess overall microbial activity and biomass in the soil. Measures the total amount of carbon and nitrogen contained in living soil microbes. Serves as an indicator of overall microbial activity and biomass, reflecting the soil's capacity to support plant growth and nutrient cycling. Can be used to assess the impact of management practices on soil organic matter and microbial populations. Enzyme Activity Assays: These assays are often used in research and specialized soil testing labs to assess specific microbial functions related to nutrient cycling. Measures the activity of specific enzymes produced by soil microbes, such as those involved in nitrogen cycling, phosphorus mineralization, and decomposition of organic matter. Provides a direct assessment of microbial functional potential and nutrient cycling processes in the soil. Can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of soil amendments or management practices on microbial activity and nutrient availability. The Importance of New Tests: Holistic Soil Health Assessment: These new tests offer a more holistic view of soil health by going beyond basic nutrient levels and considering the complex biological interactions within the soil ecosystem. Data-Driven Decision Making: The detailed information provided by these tests empowers farmers to make more informed and targeted decisions regarding crop rotations, cover crops, fertilizer applications, and other management practices. Improved Sustainability: By understanding and optimizing soil microbial communities, farmers can enhance nutrient cycling, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and promote long-term soil health and resilience. Consulting with Experts: It's crucial to consult with experienced soil scientists or agronomists specializing in soil microbiology to: Select the appropriate tests based on your specific goals and concerns. Interpret the results accurately and develop tailored management strategies. Monitor changes in soil health over time and adjust practices accordingly. By embracing these emerging soil microbiology tests, including those that assess fungal to bacterial ratios, farmers can gain a deeper understanding of their soil's intricate ecosystem and make data-driven decisions that promote sustainable and profitable agricultural practices. Plant Tissue Testing Soil Testing
- SoilBeat - Coming Soon!
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