Interpretation and Recommendation by Crop
The following tables (see tables for Agronomic and Horticultural crops) provide a guide for interpreting plant analyses and where feasible relate the plant analysis results to probable causes for elemental concentrations falling outside the sufficiency range. In the case of vegetable and ornamental crops, common nutrient ranges found in normal appearing plants are presented. In some cases, these ranges may approximate the actual sufficiency ranges, but more information is needed to delineate these limits. However, when properly used, these ranges should be useful in giving the interpreter a clue as to whether or not a nutrient is substantially out of line with what is commonly found in normal appearing plants. Due to the wide variation in crops and in the methods for making corrective treatment, no attempt is made in this publication to cover all the corrective treatments for each crop. The list of crops is limited to those commonly grown in Georgia where there is sufficient plant analysis data and experience to justify such a compilation.
The sufficiency ranges and common nutrient ranges found in normal appearing plants are based on known literature as well as that obtained from summaries of plant analyses. The interpretation and recommendations given are primarily related to Georgia's soils and climatic conditions. They are not intended to cover all circumstances but present explanations which describe those that are most likely to occur.
The sufficiency ranges given are related to a particular crop, plant part, and time of sampling. Therefore, they are not applicable to other crops or sampling situations.
The interpretations given are not valid for crops damaged by nematodes, insects, and diseases. Plants with restricted root development due to compacted subsoils and plants with chemical damage or mechanical injury can exhibit typical nutrient deficiency symptoms. Tissues will frequently test below the sufficiency range for some elements due to such causes. No attempt is made in the following tables to cover these contingencies. In most cases, only those causes which are related to soil, lime, and fertilizer effects are explained.
Agronomic Crops
- Alfalfa
- Hybrid Bermudagrasses (Coastal, Tifton-44, Tifton-78)
- Corn, Whole Plant - Dryland
- Corn, Leaf Below Whorl and Ear Leaf - Dryland
- Corn, Whole Plant - Irrigated
- Corn, Leaf Below Whorl and Ear Leaf - Irrigated
- Cotton
- Peanut
- Soybean
- Tobacco
- Turfgrass (General)
- Wheat
Horticultural Crops
- Apple
- Blueberry, Southern Highbush in Pine Bark
- Blueberry, Rabbiteye
- Blueberry, Southern Highbush in Soil or Amended Soil
- Grape, Muscadine
- Olive
- Peach
- Pear
- Pecan
- Strawberry
- Greenhouse Tomato
- Wine Grapes