Better Landscaping Today Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 10 October 2000
USE 2000 DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE
PLANT VIGOR, REDUCE IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS AND STRESSES, AND IMPRESS YOUR
CLIENTELE
By utilizing the more extensive and
state-of-the-art testing methods, it has been found that most soils can be
enhanced. When plant growth is
restricted by the average soils, the plant does not function optimally causing
reduced water-use efficiency and additional maintenance needs. The majority of plants growing under good
soil conditions have little disease problems.
They are better able to overcome environmental stresses and give better
satisfaction.
At least 13 mineral elements are essential
for all plants. Some plants need
additional ones. The newer scientific
instruments can quickly and inexpensively measure most of these elements. With the older procedures, expenses and time
factors limited most of the testing methods to the easily measured
elements. In addition and especially
with the new environmental awareness, potentially toxic heavy metals that limit
plant growth should be analyzed. This
is particularly important with recycled and mined products including reclaimed
water. The common problem elements
include zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and chromium. When vegetable gardens are grown, analysis of lead is critical.
The value of the results from the tests are
only as good as the expertise of the evaluators. Correcting micronutrient problems are unusually challenging and
more so when unwanted heavy metals are present. The concepts of plant physiology and nutrient balance are
essential.
Visual leaf symptoms indicate the presence of
major problems. Some of the minor
problems cause reduced growth without leaf discoloration. Problems are best resolved before they
appear. Disorders are present when
leaves are yellow, or are reddish, or have burned areas. Yellowness varies with different
conditions. Some problems cause
blotches; others have uniform yellowness.
Comparison of older leaves to newer leaves differentiates some
problems. Many problems are caused by
excessive fertilization; too much zinc and copper are common. They are commonly mixed into fertilizers and
are present in some amendments. Once
they are in the soil, it is difficult to correct.
Green plants can be stunted without new
growth. In some cases the green color
is a dark green. A good evaluation
technique is to examine the roots.
White roots are indicative of good growth while dark roots mean problems
are present.
Wallace Laboratories offers analyzes of all
the essential minerals elements and 18 potentially toxic heavy metals including
lead. The Wallaces have over 600
publications in the fields of plant nutrition, soil science, land reclamation,
plant physiology, ecology, elemental toxicities, and soil conditioners and physical
soil properties. Laboratory reports are
understandable with a chart giving low, desired and high ranges of
concentrations. Recommendations based
upon current scientific understanding are also provided.