Blättertests

Blättertests, also known as leaf analysis or foliar analysis, are a diagnostic tool used in agriculture and horticulture to assess the nutritional status of plants. This method involves collecting leaf samples from a crop and sending them to a laboratory for chemical analysis. The results provide information about the concentration of essential macro- and micronutrients within the plant tissues.

The primary purpose of a Blättertest is to determine if a plant is deficient in or has an excess of any particular nutrient. This information can then be used to make informed decisions about fertilization strategies. By understanding the plant's actual nutrient uptake, growers can adjust fertilizer applications to optimize plant health, yield, and quality, while also minimizing waste and potential environmental impacts.

The timing of leaf sample collection is crucial for accurate results, as nutrient levels can fluctuate throughout the plant's life cycle. Different crops and even different parts of the same plant may require specific sampling protocols. Factors such as leaf age, position on the plant, and the presence of any visible symptoms of stress or disease can influence the interpretation of the test results.

Blättertests are a valuable complement to soil testing, as they reflect what the plant has actually absorbed from the soil and the atmosphere. Soil tests indicate the nutrient availability in the soil, but factors like soil pH, nutrient interactions, and root health can affect a plant's ability to take up those nutrients. Therefore, combining both soil and leaf analysis provides a more comprehensive understanding of plant nutrition.