Plant nutrient analysis in established leucaena

Abstract

Growth and forage quality of established leucaena can be constrained by low nutrient supply due to naturally low soil nutrient levels or induced deficiencies from previous land uses that removed nutrients (e.g. grain cropping).
Monitoring nutrient levels in the soil or plant tissue is important for maintaining high productivity from established leucaena stands. Plant tissue testing measures the concentration of nutrients in a leucaena stand to determine if levels are sufficient for optimal growth. Sampling and testing plant tissue nutrients can sound complicated, but following a few simple steps can ensure reliable results.