REGEN AGRONOMY

The Juice Is Worth the Squeeze

Plant sap analysis represents a significant advancement
in agricultural nutrient management
BY PATRICK FREEZE

R
apid technological
advancements and
a shift toward preci-
sion farming are reshaping
the agricultural landscape.
Within this context, plant
sap analysis has emerged as
a tool that offers real-time
insights into the nutritional
status of crops.
However, comprehend-
ing the full potential of
plant sap analysis goes be-
yond just appreciating its
technological prowess. It
requires an in-depth un-
derstanding of plant phys-
iology, especially the roles
of xylem and phloem and
their functional variations
across different plant parts.
The xylem, specifically in
roots, plays a vital role in ab-
sorbing water and nutrients
from the soil (Figure 1).
In contrast, the phloem,
distributed throughout the
plant, is responsible for
transporting synthesized nu-
trients essential for growth,
energy and storage. In
stems, xylem facilitates wa-
ter transport and provides
structural support, whereas
phloem manages nutrient
and hormone distribution.
In leaves, these systems sup-
port photosynthesis and the
distribution of sugars (Fig-
ure 1 & 2). Recognizing the
unidirectional function of
xylem and the multidirec-
tional capability of phloem
is essential.

14 Acres U.S.A.® | www.acresusa.com FIGURES COURTESY PATRICK FREEZE

 We are looking for distributors
We are
Azogen looking
5-0-0 our for distributors
unique liquid ammoniacal nitrogen fertilizer.
Azogen 5-0-0 our unique liquid ammoniacal nitrogen fertilizer.

WHY CHOOSE LEFT WHEN YOU CAN BE RIGHT ?

WHY CHOOSE LEFT WHEN YOU CAN BE RIGHT ? AZOGEN
We are the ultimate champions AZOGEN
in OTHERS
Wechurning out millions
are the ultimate of gallons
champions
of bio-based
in churning Azogen
out 5-0-0
millions yearly.
of gallons OTHERS
of bio-based Azogen 5-0-0 yearly.
We need unbeatable champions
to
Wedistribute this exceptional
need unbeatable product.
champions
to distribute this exceptional product.

CRYSTAL CLEAR
CRYSTAL CLEAR
NO PATHOGENS
CONTACT US
www.solugenglobal.com NO PATHOGENS
CONTACT US
sales@solugenglobal.com NO SUSPENDED SOLIDS
www.solugenglobal.com
1-844-729-6436 (1-844-7-AZOGEN)
sales@solugenglobal.com NO SUSPENDED SOLIDS
1-844-729-6436 (1-844-7-AZOGEN) February 2024 15
REGEN AGRONOMY

Plant sap analysis represents more

than just a technological leap; it is a
practical tool for targeted modern
farming. The practical application
of sap analysis involves extracting
sap from plant tissues and analyz-
ing it for nutrient concentrations.
This method, being less invasive and
more immediate than traditional soil
testing, offers timely data for nutri-
ent management and predicting de-
ficiencies prior to their emergence.
Unlike whole tissue testing, which
gives a cumulative record of nutrient
uptake, sap analysis reflects the cur-
rent nutrient availability and absorp-
tion in the plant.

Background and History of Sap

Analysis
For centuries, farmers have relied
on traditional methods like soil test-
ing, whole-tissue analysis, and visual
inspection to gauge the health of
their crops. These methods, while
useful and standardized, can some-
times provide incomplete informa-
tion about the plant’s nutritional
needs, specifically when diagnosing
deficiency symptoms. Whole-tissue
testing, for example, involves the dry-
ing and grinding of plant samples
and looks at the nutrient status of
the entire plant component (roots,
stems, petioles or leaves), both struc-
tural and cellular. Although this has
been rigorously studied and stan-
dardized for decades, it may not ac-
curately reflect the current metabolic
status of the plant.
Sap analysis can offer immediate
insights into the plant’s nutritional
status — information that is crucial
for managing fast-changing nutrient
dynamics in crops. It can provide da-
ta that is not only immediate but also
more representative of the plant’s
current nutritional needs. While sap
analysis provides a snapshot of the
current nutrient status, whole-tissue
analysis offers a historical perspec-
tive. However, the real value of sap
analysis lies in its ability to inform
immediate nutrient management de-
cisions — crucial for timely interven-
tions in crop cultivation, especially
during nutrient-sensitive stages such
as flowering and fruit setting in or-
chard crops, or the rapid vegetative
growth phase in field crops like corn
and soybeans, informing manage-
ment of nutrient-sensitive stages of
crop development.
Methods of Sap Analysis
The process of sap analysis involves
extracting sap from plant tissues and
analyzing it for nutrient concentra-
tions. This method is less invasive, less
destructive and, if conducted in the
field with testing kits, more immedi-
ate compared to traditional soil and
plant testing. The method involves se-
lecting appropriate plant tissues, such
as roots, stems, petioles or leaves,
extracting the sap using specialized
equipment, and then analyzing the
sap using various chemical analysis

SAP TYPE METHOD DESCRIPTION TECHNIQUES AND TOOLS APPLICATIONS

Sampling xylem sap, reflecting water Root pressure exudation, stem incision, Understanding water and
Xylem
and nutrient transport from roots. pressure chamber technique nutrient uptake
Targeting phloem sap, indicative Studying carbohydrate
Aphid stylectomy, EDTA, centrifugation,
Phloem of photosynthate and nutrient transport and nutrient
microcapillary collection
distribution. remobilization
Integrated sampling methods,
Combining aspects of both xylem and Holistic view of plant
Both automated sap flow sensors, hydraulic
phloem sap analysis. nutrition
press
Rapid on-site testing of nutrient levels Manual or mechanical extractors, test Immediate field-based
Quick Test
in plant sap. strips, handheld meters nutrient management

Table 1. Methods and applications of xylem, phloem, and total sap analysis

16 Acres U.S.A.® | www.acresusa.com

techniques (Table 1, Figure 3). Concentrations in Sap Analysis significantly throughout the grow-
This process, though relatively Sap analysis reveals concentrations ing season. For instance, in sweet
new, is straightforward enough to be of essential nutrients like nitrogen, oranges, concentrations of various
integrated into regular agricultural phosphorus, potassium, calcium and nutrients like nitrogen (total N, am-
practices, offering farmers a power- magnesium. These concentrations monium and nitrate), phosphorus,
ful tool to monitor and manage crop are indicative of the plant’s imme- potassium, calcium and magnesium
nutrition effectively. diate nutritional needs and can vary were found in specific ranges in mg
L-1, varying between cultivars like Va-
Table 2. Concentration comparison for xylem + phloem (non-target) sap and whole tissue for lencia and Hamlin.
various cropping systems However, interpreting these con-
centrations requires an understand-
CROP NUTRIENT CONCENTRATION IN SAP CONCENTRATION IN
ing of how they compare to whole-tis-
(ppm) WHOLE TISSUE (ppm)
sue analysis to ensure both crop yield
Corn Nitrogen 800 - 1500 25,000 - 45,000 and quality are being supported. The
Phosphorus 40 - 80 2,500 - 5,000 data obtained from sap analysis can
Potassium 1500 - 4000 15,000 - 40,000 be used to make informed decisions
Calcium 500 - 1500 5,000 - 20,000
about fertilization, irrigation and oth-
er crop management practices, en-
Magnesium 150 - 400 1,500 - 5,000
suring that the crops receive the right
Soybeans Nitrogen 700 - 1300 35,000 - 55,000 nutrients at the right time. Table 2
Phosphorus 30 - 60 2,000 - 4,000 provides a general, comparative view
Potassium 1200 - 3500 17,000 - 30,000 of nutrient concentrations in dif-
ferent crops, taken from leaves and
Calcium 400 - 1000 8,000 - 25,000
petioles, highlighting the variations
Magnesium 100 - 300 2,000 - 8,000 in not only nutrient requirements
Wheat Nitrogen 600 - 1200 20,000 - 35,000 and uptake patterns, but also whole
Phosphorus 30 - 70 1,500 - 3,500 versus sap nutrient values.
Note: These values are approxi-
Potassium 1000 - 3000 10,000 - 30,000
mate, based primarily on non-target
Calcium 300 - 800 3,000 - 15,000 (both xylem and phloem) extraction,
Magnesium 100 - 250 1,000 - 4,000 and should be used as a general
Apples Nitrogen 500 - 1000 15,000 - 25,000 guideline.
Phosphorus 20 - 50 1,000 - 3,000
Application in Major Cash and
Potassium 800 - 2500 10,000 - 25,000 Specialty Crops
Calcium 300 - 900 5,000 - 18,000 In major cash crops like corn,
Magnesium 80 - 200 1,000 - 3,000 soybeans and wheat, sap analysis has
Tomatoes Nitrogen 400 - 800 30,000 - 40,000
become an invaluable tool for nu-
trient management. The challenge,
Phosphorus 30 - 60 2,000 - 4,000
however, lies in adapting this method
Potassium 1500 - 3000 25,000 - 40,000 to different crops, each with unique
Calcium 300 - 600 6,000 - 12,000 nutrient requirements and uptake
Magnesium 100 - 200 2,000 - 5,000 patterns. For instance, in corn, the
ability to monitor nitrogen levels in
Lettuce Nitrogen 500 - 1000 25,000 - 35,000
real-time can significantly enhance
Phosphorus 40 - 80 3,000 - 5,000 the efficiency of nitrogen use, reduc-
Potassium 2000 - 3500 20,000 - 35,000 ing waste and environmental impact.
Calcium 400 - 800 10,000 - 15,000 In soybeans, sap analysis can guide
the management of phosphorus
Magnesium 150 - 300 2,500 - 5,000
and potassium, which are critical for
Grapes Nitrogen 400 - 800 15,000 - 25,000 seed development and overall plant
Phosphorus 30 - 70 1,000 - 3,000 health. The adaptability of sap anal-
Potassium 1000 - 2500 15,000 - 30,000 ysis across various crops underscores
its potential as a universal tool in
Calcium 200 - 500 4,000 - 10,000
modern agriculture.
Magnesium 80 - 200 2,000 - 4,000 Similarly, in orchard crops like

February 2024 17
REGEN AGRONOMY
apples, recent advancements in sap
analysis have been shown to pro-
vide critical information on nutrient
dynamics during key growth stages
and, ultimately, long-term storage.
This is particularly useful given the
perennial nature and long growth
cycles of these crops. A common
challenge, particularly in Honeycrisp
apples, is bitter pit, a disorder linked
to calcium imbalances. Traditional
prediction methods are often slow,
providing insights too late for effec-
tive intervention.
A groundbreaking method devel-
oped by Cornell University’s Dr. Lail-
iang Cheng uses peel sap analysis to
predict bitter pit risk in apples with
remarkable efficiency. This approach
involves taking peel samples from
the base or from top to bottom of
early-stage apples (Figure 4), where
bitter pit commonly manifests, and
then freezing and juicing these sam-
ples. By analyzing the nutrient levels
in this juice, particularly focusing
on the key ratios tied to bitter pit
prediction, such as K/Ca (potassium
to calcium), this method provides es-
sential data about two months before

Table 3. Foliar and soil nutrient concentrations and forms related to recommended crops.
FOLIAR SPRAY
CONCENTRATION & CORRECTIVE
NUTRIENT FORMULATION RECOMMENDED CROPS TOLERANCE (kg per
MEASURES
400 L of Water)

Urea: 3-5, NH4NO3,

Urea, Ammonium, Urea up to 15 lbs/acre; 0.25%–0.5%
Nitrogen Many crops (NH4)2HPO4, (NH4)2SO4:
Nitrate urea foliar spray
2-3

Orthophosphates,
Phosphorus pH adjustment, phosphorus fertilizers Tomatoes, other vegetables H3PO4, others: 1.5-2.5
Polyphosphates

Potassium
Potassium fertilizers, crop residue Soybeans, peaches,
Potassium polyphosphate, sulfate, KNO3, K2SO4, KCl: 3-5
incorporation watermelons
nitrate

Calcium chloride, sugar- Liming acid soils, gypsum, 0.75%–1%

Calcium Tomatoes, apples CaCl2, Ca(NO3)2: 3-6
based calcium chelates calcium nitrate foliar spray

Magnesium sulfate, Dolomitic limestone, 2% magnesium

Magnesium Tomatoes, oranges, apples MgSO4, Mg(NO3)2: 3-12
magnesium nitrate sulfate foliar spray

Ammonium sulfate, single

Sulfur - Various crops -
superphosphate, gypsum

Zinc sulfate, chelated Zinc sulfate soil addition, 0.1%–0.5%

Zinc Apple, pear trees ZnSO4: 1.5-2.5
zinc zinc sulfate foliar spray

2% iron sulfate, 0.02%–0.05% iron

Iron Chelated forms Plants on high pH soils FeSO4: 2-12
chelate foliar spray

CuSO4, Ca(OH)2 Copper fertilizer or 0.1%–0.2% copper

Copper Various crops -
mixtures sulfate foliar spray

Boric acid, borax,

Boron Soil or foliar spray of 0.1%–0.25% borax Apples, celery Sodium borate: 0.25-1
chelated boron

Liming acid soils, soil applied sodium

Sodium molybdate, Citrus trees, legumes, Sodium molybdate:
Molybdenum or ammonium molybdate, 0.07%–0.1%
sugar-based chelates brassicas 0.1-0.15
foliar spray

Manganese sulfate, 0.1% manganese sulfate foliar

Manganese Various crops MnSO4: 2-3
chelated manganese application

18 Acres U.S.A.® | www.acresusa.com

Figure 4. Sap extracted from Honeycrisp apple peel (left), based on
calyx portion (center), and Cornell University apple peel sap K/Ca
data (right).

harvest. The correlation between bitter pit occurrence

and peel sap K/Ca ratios, which has an R2 value of
0.624 from one study, underscores the predictive power
of this technique.

Addressing Deficiencies Indicated from Sap

Analysis
Management decisions resulting from sap or other
tissue testing are most directly addressed through foliar
applications, if possible. In some cases, deficiencies can
be related to soil conditions, such as alkalinity, acidity 800 W Lake Ave | Fairmont, MN 56031 | Aglabs.com
or overall low fertility due to coarse texture soil. As
a result, foliar applications are often a more feasible
approach compared to modifying soil properties, al-
though soil fertility should still be addressed. In Table
3, a general guide is provided that outlines foliar and
soil nutrients, forms, and concentrations to potentially
remedy deficiencies indicated through sap analysis.

Conclusion
Plant sap analysis represents a significant advancement
in agricultural nutrient management. As a novel approach Diatomaceous Earth is one of the most versatile
to crop management, its ability to provide real-time nu- gifts from nature. The many uses include grain and
trient data can be invaluable for making informed deci- seed storage, crop protection, insect control for
sions. As agricultural practices continue to evolve towards
your home and an anti-caking agent feed additive.
real-time precision, sap analysis could play an increasingly
important role in enhancing crop production, nutrient Buy the proper label for each use and follow the
use efficiency and environmental stewardship. label instructions. For these uses the Diatomaceous
The integration of sap analysis into regular agricul-
earth must be from a Fresh Water Source and
tural practices marks a new era in crop management,
one that is guided by data, precision and sustainability. Food Grade to be used for organic operations.
This innovative approach not only benefits farmers in
Use Perma-Guard™, the proven best!
terms of higher yields and better crop quality but also
contributes to the broader goals of sustainable agricul- Perma-Guard™ Fossil Shell Flour
ture and food security.
Perma-Guard™ Grain and Seed Storage
Patrick Freeze is a soil health scientist, research and development Perma-Guard™ Crawling Insect Control
manager, and technical specialist at Ward Labs. He earned his Ph.D.
in soil chemistry from Washington State University where he studied www.perma-guard.com permaguardnm@yahoo.com
soil health and heavy metal chemistry as a USDA NIFA Needs Fellow
and in Thailand as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar. Phone: (505) 243-1460

February 2024 19