July 2000                                          SCSB #394

REFERENCE SUFFICIENCY RANGES
FOR PLANT ANALYSIS
IN THE SOUTHERN REGION
OF THE UNITED STATES

C. Ray Campbell, editor

For a complete list of regional project members and contributing authors,
see List of Contributors.

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Abstract

Plant analysis is a chemical evaluation of nutritional status. Concentrations of essential elements found in indicator tissue reflect the nutritional status of plants. Proper interpretation of plant analysis results is critical to effective use of this management tool. Guidelines for interpretation of analytical results have been developed over years based on research, surveys, and experience. Plant analysis continues to evolve as an important management tool as interpretive databases for various crops, stages of growth, and indicator tissue are developed.

Reliability of interpretive guidelines vary with extent of research conducted on various crops. This bulletin provides an overview of available interpretive information for most economically important crops. In some cases, sufficiency ranges are based on surveys and experience, while in other cases, there are significant research studies that can be cited. Interpretations of important ratios of essential elements are reported as available. DRIS interpretation norms are provided for crops as they are reported in the literature.

The overview of sufficiency ranges and other interpretive data identifies voids in the research base and additional work needed to improve plant analysis. This bulletin is designed to be a work in progress. The information provides a starting place from which improved sufficiency ranges can be developed. Revisions will be published as additional information becomes available.

Table of Contents

• Preface

• Foundation for Practical Application of Plant Analysis
  —C. R. Campbell and C. O. Plank
  • Scientific Basis for Plant Analysis

  • Interpretation Methods Used in Plant Analysis

  • Sampling Procedures That Enhance Accuracy and Effectiveness

  • Applications of Plant Analysis

• Reference Sufficiency Ranges
  • Field Crops
    • Canola—C. O. Plank and M. R. Tucker

    • Corn—C. R. Campbell and C. O. Plank

    • Cotton—C. C. Mitchell and W. H. Baker

    • Grain Sorghum—F. R. Cox and L. Unruh

    • Peanut—C. R. Campbell and C. O. Plank

    • Rice—P. F. Bell and J. L. Kovar

    • Small Grain (Barley, Oats, Rye, Wheat)—C. O. Plank and S. J. Donohue

    • Soybean—W. E. Sabbe, G. M. Lessman and P. F. Bell

    • Sugarcane—G. J. Gascho

    • Tobacco, Burley—C. R. Campbell

    • Tobacco, Flue-Cured—C. R. Campbell

  • Forages and Hay Crops
    • Alfalfa—C. O. Plank

    • Coastal Bermuda—C. O. Plank and C. R. Campbell

    • Tall Fescue—G. M. Lessman and W. O. Thom

    • Orchardgrass and Smooth Bromegrass—S. J. Donohue and H. J. Savoy, Jr.

  • Vegetable Crops
    • Bell Pepper—E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

    • Broccoli—E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

    • Cantaloupe—R. M. Lippert

    • Carrot—E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

    • Cauliflower—E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

    • Celery—E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

    • Cucumber—C. R. Campbell

    • Cucumber, Greenhouse—C. R. Campbell

    • Lettuce, Greenhouse—C. R. Campbell

    • Muskmelon—E. A. Hanlon and G. J. Hochmuth

    • Spinach, Greenhouse—C. R. Campbell

    • Tomato, Greenhouse—C. R. Campbell

    • Tomato, Trellis—C. R. Campbell

    • Vidalia Onion—C. O. Plank

    • Watermelon—R. M. Lippert

  • Turf and Lawn Grasses
    • Bentgrass—C. R. Campbell and C. O. Plank

    • Bermudagrass ('Tifgreen', Tifton-328')—C. R. Campbell and C. O. Plank

  • Fruit and Nut Crops
    • Apple—C. O. Plank

    • Blueberry, Rabbiteye—C. O. Plank and M. R. Tucker

    • Grape, Muscadine—C. O. Plank and C. R. Campbell

    • Peach—R. M. Lippert and C. R. Campbell

    • Pear—C. O. Plank and R. M. Lippert

    • Pecan—C. O. Plank and C. C. Mitchell

    • Strawberry, Annual Hill Culture—C. R. Campbell and G. S. Miner

  • Ornamentals and Flowers
    • Ornamental Cabbage—C. R. Campbell

    • Poinsettia—C. R. Campbell

  • Tree Crops
    • Fraser Fir—C. R. Campbell and L. E. Hinesley

Electronic Document Prepared by:
Catherine Stokes, Communication Specialist
Agronomic Division of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. July 2000.
Last Updated June 7, 2002.