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History Of Crop Input Analysis

The history of crop input analysis is deeply intertwined with the development of agriculture, chemistry, and the science of soil fertility.

Crop input analysis plays a critical role in modern agriculture by ensuring that fertilizers are effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable. It involves the determination of the nutrient content in fertilizers, which is essential for optimizing plant growth and maximizing agricultural productivity. In addition to the primary macronutrients, micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper are essential for plant health but required in small quantities. Fertilizer analysis helps ensure that fertilizers contain these trace elements in the right proportions, preventing deficiencies that can lead to poor crop performance or disease susceptibility. Regular analysis also ensures that fertilizers are safe, accurate, and free from contaminants like heavy metals or toxic substances.

Apical performs in-house testing of crop inputs for our own research and development of agronomic inputs as well as for our customers. We do not provide Crop Input analysis for the purposes of registration via state, federal or other registration purposes. Our lab is committed to accelerating the research and development of agronomic input use cases through rapid analysis. We do not perform analysis of pesticides, toxic substances, manure, animal parts, blood, feces, human body parts, bodily fluids or other biohazardous inputs. Any inputs containing these will be rejected and you will be charged processing and return shipping fees.

Early 1800s

The field of agricultural chemistry began to develop, spurred by discoveries in plant physiology and soil science.

Mid 19th century

As the demand for fertilizers grew with the expansion of agriculture, scientists began analyzing the nutrient content of different fertilizers, particularly those containing phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium.

Early 20th century

As agriculture and the chemical industry advanced, so did the techniques for fertilizer analysis. The development of standardized methods for fertilizer testing and analysis became essential, particularly in relation to nitrogen content, phosphorus (as phosphates), and potassium (as potash)

Mid 20th century

Fertilizer composition also began to include trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, etc.), which are essential for plant growth, though in smaller amounts. Fertilizer analysis methods evolved to measure these elements as well.

Modern Day

Today, fertilizer analysis involves highly sophisticated methods which allow for precise determination of nutrient content in complex fertilizers.

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