Nutrient Tissue Analysis

      Periodic nutrient analysis of foliage tissue is useful to obtain an estimate of a crop's nutritional status and serve as a record of crop performance. The tissue analysis should be calibrated with soil fertility levels, according to soil samples taken before planting. For tissue analysis, collect a young mature whole leaf (petiole and leaves) located below the last open flower cluster. A representative tissue sample from a field plot will consist of 25 to 50 collected leaves free of insects or disease. Collect samples prior to the fruiting stage. Recommended optimum ranges for cucumbers are found in Table 4

             Table 4. Recommended Tissue Nutrient Ranges for Cucumber

   

      Nutrient Target Level (1)

      N 3.3-4.0%

      P 0.4-0.8%

      K 2.8-4.0%

      Ca 1.8-2.5%

      Mg 0.4-0.5%

      S 0.3%

     Fe 108 ppm

     Zn 23 ppm

     Mn 60 ppm

     Cu 8 ppm

     B 25 ppm

(1)  Percent dry matter content. Nutrient level of young mature leaf at the pre-fruiting stage (5th-6th leaf from apex).