NCDA&CS Agronomic Services Can Help ID Growth Concerns

— Written By
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Article written by David Hardy, NCDA&CS

RALEIGH, N.C. — With the growing season for summer agronomic crops underway and many landscapes actively growing, it is an excellent time to utilize diagnostic testing to identify existing abnormal growth problems.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agronomic Services Division offers a range of services to help optimize crops and yards.

Soil testing, nematode assay, and plant tissue analyses are usually used for predictive, routine testing, but they can also help identify a current growth concern or problem. With soil testing, clients receive reports with crop-specific lime and fertilizer recommendations. A nematode assay will provide crop-specific control measures based on nematode species and populations. Plant tissue analysis provides the existing plant nutritional status of a crop that is currently growing.

Usually when growth concerns occur, there are some areas of a field, landscape or lawn where growth is normal or “good” and other areas where growth is poor or “bad.” It is important to acquire samples from both good and bad areas. Soil samples for fertility purposes from these areas can be taken randomly from within the defined good and bad zones. Soil should be sampled to the depth of the root zone, typically four inches for areas that are not tilled and six inches for tilled areas. If plants are very young, sampling a lesser depth equal to the rooting depth is advised. About 10 to 12 soil cores randomly taken in the good and bad areas should be acquired for each sample, using a clean, plastic bucket and a non-galvanized sampling tool.

Areas affected by nematodes typically are circular in shape and if plant roots are examined, growth abnormalities can sometimes be seen. Nematode populations will be greatest at the edge or perimeter of this circular area, where healthier plants adjoin those that are growing poorly. To acquire a sample for nematode assay, soil from this edge or perimeter should be sampled. Sampling through actively growing roots to acquire root material is best. It is also recommended that a “good” sample be taken in a nearby area where growth is nearly normal. About one pint of soil is needed for each nematode sample. The soil should be placed in a plastic bag to prevent it from drying. Also, it is important that the sample is not exposed to hot sun since high temperatures can kill nematodes.

Plant tissue samples, both good and bad, can also be taken randomly from plants from within areas where good and bad soil samples are taken. The most recently mature leaf is the leaf to sample for most plants. Typically, this is a fully expanded leaf about four leaves back from the growing point or bud of the plant. Leaves that are dead or decayed should be avoided. For small leaves, a couple of handfuls of plant material is usually sufficient; for large leaves like fully developed corn or tobacco, 10 to 15 leaves are sufficient. For turf, typically the top growth that is normally mowed is appropriate to sample; scissors can be used or grass can be taken from a mower bag. Tissue samples should be placed in paper bags or envelopes since plant material will decompose in plastic bags.

Samples submitted to any of the above services require a sample information form. Information forms for soil and nematode samples can be submitted online. Fees for nematode assay and plant tissue analysis are $3 and $5 per sample, respectively. Soil testing is free except during the peak season months of December through March.

Commercial growers needing help in diagnosing growing problems are encouraged to contact their NCDA&CS regional agronomist for a farm visit. Homeowners may contact their local county extension service office where they can also find supplies for soil testing and nematode assay.