For a crop to grow, it must absorb enough nutrients. Fertilisation supplies nutrients to the soil or substrate, but this does not guarantee that the plant actually takes them up. Plant Sap Check analyses the nutrient composition inside the plant itself, providing direct insight into uptake at the moment of sampling.

Plant Sap Check analyses pressed plant sap after freezing and thawing. The analysis determines the concentrations of major and trace elements inside the plant. It shows what the crop has absorbed instead of what is present in the soil or substrate.

• Snapshot of real time nutrient uptake
• Results in milligrams per litre or millimoles per litre
• Direct insight into the nutritional status of the plant

Although most of a plant consists of carbon, oxygen and water, the remaining nutrients are essential for healthy growth. A shortage of even one element can affect development and overall crop performance.

Nutrient uptake is influenced by fertilisation, soil or substrate type, pH, temperature, light, humidity, interactions between nutrients and the activity of micro organisms. Plant Sap Check shows whether the plant absorbs the nutrients that are available under the current growing conditions.

How it works

Plant material is pressed, frozen, thawed and analysed. The nutrient composition of both the sap and the cytoplasm is measured. Because it is a moment in time analysis, samples should always be taken at the same time of day to allow reliable comparison.

When to use Plant Sap Check

Plant Sap Check is useful when you want real time insight into nutrient uptake, when the crop shows signs of nutrient imbalance, when fertilisation has been adjusted, when climate or pH and EC conditions may affect uptake or when nutrient interactions may limit absorption.

Plant Sap Check analyses plant sap and reflects immediate uptake. It is sensitive to climate conditions and daily variation and is suitable for short term monitoring and fine tuning of fertilisation.

Crop Check analyses oven dried plant material and determines both bound and dissolved nutrients. It is less influenced by short term conditions and better suited for broader nutrient evaluation.