Element laboratories use expert plant tissue analysis to actively monitor nutrient levels in specific crops and identify nutrient deficiencies and heavy metal content in commercial crops, helping growers augment or remediate land to maximize yield and support the health of their soil.
If plants are not growing or producing as expected, analysis of the plant tissue can give important insight into the cause and clarify the path toward a solution. Plant tissue testing primarily determines whether a plant is nutrient deficient and, if so, what nutrients are lacking, as well as whether a plant has elevated concentrations of heavy metals.
Element’s plant tissue testing laboratories support farmers and agricultural operations through both testing and consulting services and can provide a suite of related services such as water testing and soil testing to help optimize growth and land yields.
Plant tissue analysis for nutrient deficiency
Nutrient deficiencies in plants can inhibit growth and significantly reduce your overall crop production. A simple nutrient analysis can help you effectively supplement deficiencies for better plant health. Element uses state-of-the-art equipment and our library of expected nutrient concentrations to detect and characterize nutrient deficiencies.
Testing for heavy metals in plant tissue
Although certain heavy metals in low concentrations are essential for plant growth, high concentrations can be toxic and can reduce growth, performance, and yield. Very high concentrations even lead to plant death. Plants with high heavy metal concentrations can also be harmful to people, as excessive consumption of certain heavy metals can negatively affect human health.
ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) analysis for heavy metals can quickly and accurately identify elevated concentrations, helping with remediation efforts. Continuous analysis of heavy metals can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of bioremediation efforts.
The Element advantage
Element’s plant tissue analysis methods are based on US EPA methodologies and the BC Ministry of the Environmental Lab Manual. Combining plant tissue analysis with our soil testing and water testing services will provide a complete picture of the nutrient profile of your land and insights on environmental health.
For more information about nutrient deficiency and heavy metals in plant tissue, contact us today.
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Water Testing Services
Our water testing laboratories provide analyses for drinking water, groundwaters, surface waters, and wastewater, to help you meet environmental regulations.
Clubroot Testing
Find out how we help our agricultural customers to rapidly detect and eradicate clubroot to prevent crop loss and maximize crop yield.
Agricultural Soil Testing Services
Our agricultural soil testing and analysis help determine nutrient content, soil composition, and other properties that are essential to maximizing the yield and quality of crops.
Soil Nutrient Testing and Analysis
Element’s soil testing laboratories provide accurate soil nutrient analysis for the efficient application of the correct type and amount of fertilizer and manure required to obtain high yields.