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METHODS OF NUTRIENT ANALYSIS IN PLANT

TISSUES

Index

▪ Why We Do Nutrient Analysis?

▪ Methods of Nutrient Analysis
▪ Visual Method of Nutrient Analysis
▪ Criteria for Sampling
▪ Preparation of Material For Analysis
▪ Techniques for Nutrient Analysis
▪ References

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WHY WE DO NUTRIENT ANALYSIS?

• To detect unseen deficiencies

• To confirm visual deficiencies
• Detection of toxic compounds
• Diagnostic tool for future correction of nutrient problem
• Seasonal sampling provide idea of peak demand of nutrient
• To compare plant growth , development and yield
• Leaf is considered major part for nutrient analysis

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Methods For Nutrient Analysis

▪ Two types of method used for Nutrient Analysis

▪ Visual Analysis
▪ Laboratory Analysis
▪ Visual analysis
▪ Includes Nutrient deficiency symptoms

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CRITERIA FOR PLANT SAMPLING

• Make sure hands are clean

• Damaged or abnormal leaves must not be collected
• Tissues covered with soil , dust or chemical residues must be
avoided
• Bordered or roadsides plant should not be collect
• Plant tissues packed in open , perforated paper bag
• Sample should not be placed in closed plastic bags unless air
dried
• Air dry by placing in open dry environment for 12-24hours

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Preparation of Material for Analysis

• Decontamination
• Plant material must be free from extraneous substances
• Dust soil or Dust effects element Fe ,Si, Mn , Al
• Not necessary where tissues exposed to frequent rainfall
• Procedure ;
• Rinse & wash plant tissue with 0.1%-0.3% Phosphate free
detergent
• Use deionized water
• Rinse and wash period should be short nutrients may leach
down
• After contamination sample should be immediately stabilize
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Preparation of Material for Analysis

• Oven Drying
• Water removed from plant tissues to stop enzymatic
reactions
• It helps particle size reduction and accurate weighing
• Kept temperature 80 C for 12-24 Hours
• Particle Size Reduction
• Grind the plant tissue 0.5-1rnm to ensure homogeneity
• Storage
• Stored in conditions that minimize deterioration & maintain
sample integrity
• Air tight plastic storage sealed container place cool & dry
conditions
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Preparation of Material for Analysis

• Sample Digestion
• Destruction of organic matter by using acids like sulphuric
acid or nitric acid or perchloric acid
• Electromagnetic radiations can also be used
• After digestion sample is cooled and dilutions are made for
further analysis.

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Techniques for Nutrient Analysis

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

• Light of specific wavelength generated from hollow cathode
lamp
• Cathode of HCL made up element of determination
• Photons pass through flame containing atoms of the
elements
• Photons absorbed degree of absorption directly proportional
to elemental conc.

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Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

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Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Elements Wavelength(nm)

Aluminum(Al) 309.2

Calcium (Ca) 422.6

Iron (Fe) 248.3

Magnesium(Mg) 285.2

Sodium(Na) 589.0

Zinc (Zn) 213.8

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• Atomic Emission Spectrometry Elements Wavelength(n

m)
(AES)
Boron (B) 249.7
• Light and heat energy from high
intensity source (plasma) Calcium(Ca) 422.6
promotes electrons to high energy
Magnesium(M 279.5
states g)
• Electrons fall back & emits light at Potassium (K) 766.4
characteristics of wavelength
Iron(Fe) 259.9
• Light emission directly
proportional to elemental Zinc (Zn) 213.8
concentration
Copper (Cu) 327.4

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References

• Methods for Plant Analysis

Edited by Yash P. Kalra Soil and Plant Analysis Council, Inc. CRC
Press Boca Raton Boston London New York Washington, D.C.
• Analysis of Mineral Nutrients: Sampling Techniques and
Methods of Digestion for Plant Samples
Vijay Paul1*, Ramesh K.V.2 and Rakesh Pandey1 1Division of
Plant Physiology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI),

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