Diagnostic leaf analysis for stone fruit. I. Errors associated with standard and simplified sampling procedures

Abstract

Standard and simplified sampling procedures for peach orchards were assessed. Based on measures of tree-to-tree variation in three orchards, the average sampling error for the standard procedure would be < 10 per cent for macronutrients and <20-25 per cent for micronutrients. Aspects of the simplified procedure increased sampling error. Air-drying of samples increased macronutrient concentrations by up to 10 per cent, and not washing certain samples increased micronutrient concentrations (Fe + 45-150 per cent ; Cu, Mn, Zn + 8-23 per cent). However, the sampling of non-fruiting wood did not increase error.