Nitrate concentration in grasses can be used as an indicator of soil Nitrate (N) availability for their growth. Research at the University of Connecticut suggests verdure sap nitrate-N concentrations at 200-300 ppm as the optimum level.
Grasses store Nitrate (N) as nitrate in the bases of stems and shoots. Research conducted by Guillard and Morris (2013) at the University of Connecticut suggests that nitrate accumulate in the shoot bases of perennial turf grasses during the fall (when new leaf blade formation declines), which could be a significant source of N for the turf plant at the onset of new growth in the following spring after winter dormancy. At the optimum critical level of nitrate-N concentration and beyond, the turf response will plateau or flatten out – increasing the fall verdure nitrate-N concentrations with more fertilizer beyond the optimum critical level will not increase the grass quality in the fall or the following spring; the maximum quality response has been reached.
Pocket-sized LAQUA twin Nitrate Ion meter was used to measure nitrate-N concentrations in verdure sap. It eliminates the need to transport samples to a laboratory for expensive analysis performed using either colorimetry or chromatography by trained analyst.
Calibrate the LAQUAtwin Nitrate Ion meter according to manufacturer’s instructions.
1. Mow the turf to desired height and remove mowed clippings.
2. Collect verdure samples—aboveground parts of the turf plant remaining after clippings removed. A golf-ball sized, compressed verdure sample is usually sufficient to produce adequate sap for the test.
3. Squeeze the sap from the verdure sample using a hydraulic or garlictype press.
1. Place some drops of the extracted sap directly into the sensor.
2. Record the reading once stabilized—appears.
3. After each sample, rinse the sensor with water and blot it dry with tissue.
Collect verdure samples—aboveground parts of the turf plant remaining after clippings removed. A golfball sized, compressed verdure sample is usually sufficient to produce adequate sap for the test.
Place some drops of the extracted sap directly into
the sensor.
Record the reading once stabilized—appears.
Research at the University of Connecticut suggests that no fertilizer is required in the fall if the verdure sap nitrate-N concentrations are 200-300 ppm or above during October through November in their climate (critical values were based on turf mowed to a height of 2¼ inches and test was conducted using Horiba’s LAQUA twin Nitrate ion meter). If less than 200, it suggests that some N be applied to obtain optimum turf responses. When readings are between 100 to 200 ppm, 0.25 to 0.33 lbs N/1000ft2 can be considered. If readings are less than 100 ppm, then 0.33 to 0.50 lbs N/1000ft2 can be considered, provided that N is applied before the onset of winter.
Measurement range:
100~9,900 ppm (NO3-), 23~2,200 ppm (NO3-N)
[Accessories included]
■ Standard solution for crops (300 ppm & 5000 ppm) (14 mL)
■ 2 CR2032 batteries
■ Instruction manual
■ 5 Pipettes
■ Cleaning solution bottle (250 mL)
■ Crop sample press
■ 3 Medical cups
■ Quick manual
■ Carrying case
