Tests that are typically run on plant tissue samples include:
Total C and N:
Analyzed by combustion (Carlo-Erba). Sample preparation, especially the grinding process, is critical when analyzing on the Carlo-Erba (10 mg sample size is weighed into a 5 x 9 mm tin capsule). To ensure that we are providing accurate, reliable data, a finely ground homogeneous mixture is critical with this small sample size. We request that 1 gram of sample material finely ground to pass through a 60 mesh screen be submitted to the laboratory.
Total Nutrients:
B, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, S, Zn
Extractable Nutrients:
Cl, K, NH4-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, SO4-S
Other:
Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb Se, Si, V
We request 20 grams of oven-dried sample material (55-60°C for 24 hours) ground to pass through a 40 mesh screen. The maximum unground sample size is one large # 56 grocery bag.
K in plant is reported in %.