blättertest

Blättertest, also known as a leaf test, is a diagnostic method used in agriculture and horticulture to assess the nutritional status of plants. It involves analyzing the concentration of various mineral elements within plant leaves. This technique is based on the principle that leaves are a primary site of photosynthesis and nutrient assimilation, and therefore, their composition reflects the overall nutrient availability and uptake by the plant.

The process typically begins with careful sampling of specific leaves at a defined stage of plant development. The chosen leaves are usually mature, fully expanded, and from a representative part of the plant, such as the upper or middle portion of the canopy. Factors like leaf age, position, and time of sampling are critical to ensure accurate and reproducible results. After collection, the leaf samples are dried, ground into a fine powder, and then subjected to laboratory analysis. Techniques like atomic absorption spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy are commonly employed to quantify the levels of essential macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur) and micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum).

The results of a Blättertest are then compared to established critical nutrient levels or sufficiency ranges for the specific crop species and growth stage. Deviations from these ranges can indicate nutrient deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances, which can then guide fertilization recommendations. For instance, a low level of potassium in the leaves might suggest the need for potassium-based fertilizers. Blättertests are a valuable tool for optimizing plant nutrition, improving crop yield and quality, and preventing nutrient-related stress or toxicity. They provide a direct assessment of what the plant is actually absorbing, offering a more precise approach than solely relying on soil analysis, as soil nutrient availability does not always directly translate to plant uptake.