Leaf stalk analysis in potatoes
Leaf stalk analysis in potatoes
Precision fertilisation through leaf stalk analysis in potatoes
In potato cultivation, nitrogen fertilisation is important for consistent crop growth. The application rates for nitrogen fertilisation are often considered to be too low. To comply with these strict application rates, we are looking for tools that indicate whether the potatoes have been sufficiently fertilised. Picking leaf stalks and having them analysed for nitrogen and possibly other minerals provides more insight. Some growers monitor crop growth using satellite images or drones. However, drones often do not provide sufficient information. Leaf stalk analysis helps you interpret the images.
Leaf stalk analysis in potatoes in brief
Analysing leaf stalks for nitrogen and minerals
Assistance with interpreting drone images
Appropriate advice
Weather conditions
During cultivation, weather conditions can be very favourable for growth. This allows the plant to fully utilise the effects of fertilisers and soil mineralisation. You can measure this in the petioles. On the other hand, rain or even extreme precipitation can cause the nitrogen content in the soil to become very low. In that case, this will be visible in the petioles within a few days. The purpose of petiole analysis is therefore to determine the crop's fertilisation and irrigation requirements based on the petioles.
Normec Groen Agro Control has calibration lines for nitrogen fertilisation for various varieties and soil types, which guarantees appropriate fertilisation advice. Are you interested in the concentrations of more elements in the petioles? However, the target values for these are not yet sufficiently clear. We can also measure the elements K, Na, Ca, Mg, PO4, and the trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Mo and Cu in the leaf stalks.
Leading companies in this service
Normec QA
Antwerpen Belgium
Normec Groen Agro Control
Delfgauw Netherlands