Plant tissue analysis can indicate whether plants contain the concentrations of essential nutrients necessary for optimum growth. Results help growers monitor nutrient uptake, correct deficiencies before they reach a critical stage and, for some crops, time harvest appropriately.
Note: Plant tissue analysis does not include analysis of forage plants for use as animal feed. Feed analysis is provided through the NCDA&CS Food & Drug Protection Division.
Waste analysis helps growers make responsible decisions about the use of farm, municipal and industrial wastes and by-products as fertilizer materials for crop production. Predictions of first-crop nutrient availability are provided according to application method (e.g., surface broadcasting, soil incorporation, injection or irrigation). Laboratory analyses for total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, copper and zinc are certified by the state's Division of Water Quality for compliance with the environmental regulations specified in N.C. Senate Bill 1217.
Waste analysis can also be used to determine the stability and quality of composted materials or to guide the mixing of raw materials for optimal composting. In addition to the standard measurements included on the Waste Analysis Report, a compost analysis includes carbon, carbon-nitrogen ratio, pH and soluble salts (electrical conductivity).
Solution analysis is useful for monitoring surface-water and groundwater quality for such varied agricultural purposes as irrigation, fertilization, livestock and poultry production, pesticide preparation, pond management and aquaculture.
Media analysis (using the saturated media extract procedure) helps growers fine-tune their fertilization programs for container crops grown in soilless media by enabling them to monitor changes in electrical conductivity, pH and nutrient levels. At the present time, media analysis results are generated as a Solution Analysis Report.