Plant analysis is a professional method that determines the nutrient content of the entire plant or specific organs. Through this analysis, both current nutritional problems are identified and indirect information about the soil's fertility capacity is obtained.

Benefits of Plant Analysis

Plant analysis plays a complementary role to soil analysis, helping to determine the soil's ability to supply nutrients. These analyses are guidance in many important areas:

🌿 Nutritional Status

Reveals the availability of plant nutrients and the plants' capacity to absorb these nutrients.

📊 Performance Relationship

Helps understand the relationship between nutrient levels and plant performance.

🎯 Proper Fertilization

Enables the creation of a balanced fertilization program by identifying deficient or excess nutrients.

How to Take Leaf Samples?

To obtain accurate results, leaf samples must be collected according to certain rules:

Leaf Selection: Fully sun-exposed, recently matured leaves just below the growth tip of the main branches or stem should be preferred.

Sampling should be done by walking U or X-shaped across the field, from the sun-exposed shoots of that year
Leaves should be collected from enough trees to represent the entire field
Ideally, 100-150 leaves should be collected depending on plant leaf size
A single leaf sample should represent maximum 20 decares of area
Separate samples should be taken from different soil types and each plant species

Sampling Time by Plant Type

Each plant species has its own specific sampling period. The table below shows the sampling times for common plants:

Plant Type	Sampling Period and Method
Apple, Pear, Apricot, Peach, Walnut	In July/August, from leaves in the middle part of one-year shoots
Cherry, Orange, Lemon, Mandarin	In June/July period as specified above
Grapefruit	From mature leaves on 4-7 month old spring shoots
Hazelnut	Mid-June, from developed leaves on new shoots
Corn	From matured leaves in the 40-60 cm height range
Rice	Before flowering, from the topmost fully developed leaves
Sugar Beet	June/July or 60 days after germination from mature leaves
Potato	At the beginning of flowering from developed leaves at the tips
Cotton	During flowering period from the youngest mature leaves on the main stem
Sunflower	During flower formation stage from developed leaves at the top

Points to Consider When Sampling

Collected leaves should be of the same species and variety
Different species should not be mixed
Leaf samples should be dry, wet leaves should not be taken
Selected leaves should have average characteristics for that growth period
Abnormally large or small leaves should not be included in sampling
If a method is determined for sampling, it should be adhered to
As a general rule, mature leaves from upper parts are preferred
At least 2 weeks should be waited after foliar fertilization or spraying

Leaves That Should Absolutely Not Be Taken:

Leaves showing signs of disease or pests
Burned, dried or curled leaves
Leaves eaten or torn by insects
Abnormal looking or damaged leaves

Sample Labeling and Storage

After samples are collected, they should be placed in perforated nylon bags. Label information should be written completely, placed in the bag and tied tightly with string.

Important: Labeled leaf samples should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible. If same-day shipping is not possible, samples should be stored in a refrigerator at +4°C.

📋 Information Required on the Label:

Location where the sample was taken (province, district, village, location)
Size of the sampled orchard or field (decare)
Age of trees or plants
Plant species and variety
Irrigation method applied
Irrigated or dry farming information
Amount and type of fertilizer previously applied
Abnormal conditions observed on leaves

Analyzed Nutrients

The basic nutrients recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in plant analysis are:

Nitrogen (N)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

Calcium (Ca)

Magnesium (Mg)

Iron (Fe)

Copper (Cu)

Manganese (Mn)

Zinc (Zn)

In conclusion, when plant analyses are evaluated together with soil analyses, it becomes possible to create the most accurate fertilization program and monitor plant health. Regular analyses prevent yield loss and serve as a guide for sustainable agriculture.