Agrimanagement provides sampling and nutritional analysis of petiole samples to assist growers to effectively manage and schedule the application of nutritional supplements to plants during specific stages of growth. Primarily this is a N management service.

For example in the production of hops, a considerable amount of Nitrogen is required during the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the season. Nitrogen is an important component in the development of amino acids and proteins for the building of green plant material, specifically stems and leaves. Most growers of drip irrigated hops use weekly applications of Nitrogen. Both drip line and side broadcast applications are used to provide a crop with the required nutrients.

However, during the second half of the season, a grower wants all of the plant's growth and energy to be directed towards the production of the cones. Generally, after a certain point of growth, height or leaf count, a grower will end the supplemental application of Nitrogen, often basing the decision on petiole data values and trends.

Because of the importance of in-season nutritional balance in most plants, petiole samplings are regularly scheduled on many crops. Additional crops we routinely sample are mint, potatoes, and corn. These crops require supplemental Nitrogen and other nutrients to establish a large full canopy of growth, important to increased production.

In addition to Nitrogen, other essential nutrients are sometimes tested for during the early season, such as Calcium, Potassium, and Phosphate. Because of the procedures required for analysis of these elements, Agrimanagement sends these samples to a professional independent laboratory.

After the nutrient data is obtained from the laboratory, each computer generated report is checked by our consulting staff and a recommendation is written and given to the grower.

If you have questions relating to petiole sampling and nutritional requirements for your crop, please contact Don Jameson or Scott Stephen.