of Comparison Sampling

Multiple Plant Parts, Multiple Times Per Season
Every Apical Leaf Extract Analysis should include separate samples of both new and old leaves, as designated by our crop-specific sampling guides. By sampling various plant parts, information regarding how nutrients are circulating is revealed.

New vs. Old Leaves
Old leaves show deficiencies of mobile nutrients as lower ppm readings than in the new leaves. New leaves show deficiencies of immobile nutrients as lower ppm readings than in old leaves.

Stabilizing Variability
Heat and/or moisture stress directly affect plant nutrient transport. Lifecycle stages modify plant nutrient demand and intake. Diseases and insects are often more commonly found in crops that are under stress. Mineral stress points are manifested as imbalances in the plant’s fluids.

By monitoring your crop’s circulating fluids, you build proactive processes which lead to Abiotic stress priming a vibrant scientific technique gaining attention worldwide.

Apical’s system allows the grower to take an active role in preventive stress management.

Soil Strata
Every Apical field water analysis should include separate samples of both source and field water, as designated by our crop-specific sampling guides. By sampling before and after it moves through your system, information regarding how any contamination causes or remediation efforts are impacting the crop.

Deep vs. Shallow
The shallow soil strata (O-A horizon) corresponds to the active feeding zone and the deep soil strata (A-B horizon) corresponds to the passive feeding zone. In the active feeding zone, nutrients often leach, infiltrating the deep soil fraction. In the passive feeding zone, if roots are under water stress (from too much/too little water) they will often translocate nutrients into the active rooting zone or the plant.

High Potential for Leaching:
Total Nitrogen, Nitrate, Ammonium, Sulfur, Sodium, Calcium, Phosphate, Boron, Iodine

High Potential for Translocation:
Chloride, Aluminum, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Iron, Silicon, Copper, Molybdenum, Cobalt

Contamination in Water Systems
Every Apical water analysis is recommended to include a sample of both the source and field water in separate containers rooting depth. By sampling various depths, information on how any contamination causes or remediation efforts are impacting the crop.

Source vs. Field
The water that comes from a source often bears no relation to the water that actually reaches the crop. Depending on the source (pond, well, rive, ditch, aquifer, water district, etc.) there can be a source of initial contamination.  However, that initial contamination may not reveal itself until there is a change in temperature, pressure, aeration, microbial interaction, or other unseen influence.

Unless both source and field water are clean and desirable, there may be undesirable effects on the plant, soil mineral release, and/or soil microbes.