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Plant Sap Analysis
Apical analyzes the most data points of any plant sap analysis laboratory in the world.

Apical analyzes 24 different analytes to better understand nutrient translocation.

Sap analysis at Apical is defined as extracting the cellular fluids and discarding the tissue components. Sap analysis should be utilized in season as a tool that growers can use to limit abiotic and nutritional stress. Consistent testing allows growers to maintain optimal plant growth, quality, and yield by balancing nutrients. CLICK HERE FOR A SAMPLE REPORT

When viewed properly, a plant’s sap analysis is the final result of soil interactions between the plant, soil, grower, and mother nature. By utilizing Apical’s lab you’ll receive precise recommendations on how to balance plant nutrition. Review the Leaf Sampling Guide (linked below) that most fits your plant to send us submissions today.

What Makes Apical Different

  • We work with farmers on Crop Advising
  • We utilize the data to drive decision making
  • We provide an online portal to easily access reports over time
  • Our extraction is superior to tissue analysis because it is taken from multiple plant parts and assesses nutritional status and flows within a plant in real time results.

Leaf Sampling Guides

History of Plant Sap Analysis

Understand My Report

View a Sample Report

Leaf Extract Analysis FAQ's

Who can benefit from using Leaf Extract Analysis?

  • Farmers that wish to improve crop productivity and health
  • Agronomists, Crop Advisors and Consultants who make fertilizer recommendations
  • Organic growers looking to maximize the organic method
  • Conventional growers looking to minimize fertilizer costs
  • Students of Agriculture/Horticulture

What can I learn from Leaf Extract Analysis?

  • How to optimize fertilization
  • General plant health by primary indicators
  • Balance of nutrients in different parts of the plant
  • Toxic elements that are causing plant stress
  • Nitrogen excess/deficiency
  • Micronutrient deficiencies
  • Nutrient management preferences by cultivar
  • And much more…

Why is leaf extract analysis beneficial?

The mineral content of the plant fluids is a predictive indicator of plant tissue content.

By analyzing the plant fluids during transport prior to becoming part of the plant tissue, the mineral needs and excesses of the plant can be adjusted.

How do you use Leaf Extract Analysis to inform nutrient management?

Plant (sap) nutrient flow and translocation has been studied for over 80 years in hundreds of peer-reviewed journals.  By sampling and analyzing different parts of the plant, agronomic principles can be utilized to determine which nutrients are deficient, balanced, or toxic.

How should I package and send my leaves?

Please read carefully the crop specific sampling guide for details on picking, packing, and shipping your leaves. These guidelines must be followed precisely to allow us to deliver timely and accurate results.

Do you accept hemp and cannabis leaf samples?

Apical can receive and analyze hemp and cannabis leaves; however, it is the customer’s responsibility to know and follow state and federal shipping regulations. Contact carriers directly for further information regarding shipping regulations and requirements.

How does Leaf Extract Analysis differ from Plant Tissue Analysis?

In Tissue Analysis, the plant fluids within the plant leaf are excluded and the cellular tissue is analyzed.

In Leaf Extract Analysis, the cellular fluids are analyzed and the tissue components are excluded.

Is Leaf Extract Analysis “Sap Testing”?

Sap testing implies a number of different protocols. In some forms, plant leaves are juiced to a pulp and analyzed in the field for 1-5 nutrient analytes using portable meters.

In Leaf Extract Analysis, the pure cellular fluids of the plant are extracted and analyzed on precision laboratory equipment for 22 or more analytes.

How do you extract the fluids?

We employ a multi-stage process that excludes the vascular transport bundles, cellular wall structures and other tissue components. The process produces pure plant fluids to be used for analytical purposes.

How do you analyze the fluids?

We utilize scientifically accepted scientific methods for plant-matrix analysis using precision laboratory techniques for sub-part-per-million quantitation.

How do we get the most out of the Apical system?

To obtain optimal results, we work directly with growers to pave the path to soil health, crop productivity and farm profitability.

Contact us for more information.

  • Precision forecasting of plant needs based on analysis results
  • Custom Data interpretation
  • Detailed Crop Fertilizer Recommendations
  • Custom Foliar Nutrition Blends
  • Custom Biological Inoculant Recommendations
  • Biological-Nutrient Synergy