Tissue & Soil Testing

Militello Farm Supply sends soil and petiole samples to A&L laboratory for full analysis. We write specific crop programs for vineyards and small fruit crops to assist our customers in determining the optimal nutritional requirement for their fruit crop. We encourage growers to pull their samples because it creates the opportunity for you the grower to make observations in your own vineyard or planting that will be helpful in managing your acreage. We provide training to assist growers in collecting and handling their own samples and prepare them to be shipped to an independent laboratory where the nutrient levels will be determined. We arrange to have the data sent to you and to our office. We will review the data and provide you with a recommendation based on Cornell University nutrient level standards for the particular crop you are growing. Petiole (leaf stem) and soil test kits for A & L Laboratories are available from our store and will include the cost of processing your samples and reporting your nutrient levels.

TIMING OF SAMPLE COLLECTION:

Grape Vines: The ideal time to collect grape petiole samples is from 60 to 90 days after full bloom. Full bloom is defined as the time when 50% of the florets (flowers) are open. In our zone that would fall between August 15th and September 15th. Soil sample collection can be done at the same time.

Other Fruit Crops: Tissue sampling timing for strawberries is within the first 6 weeks after harvest. For raspberries between August 1st and the 20th; Blueberries between July 1st and August 30th; Tree fruits between 60 and 70 days after the petal fall date.