A brand-new laboratory open to all soft-fruit growers has been unveiled by independent agronomy company Fast Ltd, at its new site at Brogdale Farm.
The Kent-based facilities have enjoyed a significant investment in analysing equipment, which will make for a faster turnaround service, with more detailed results.
Mark Botting, laboratory manager at Fast, has noticed that growers are increasingly using sap analysis in addition to the traditional leaf and soil sampling that has been the standard in the UK horticulture industry.
Sap analysis reports exactly which nutrients are mobile in the plant at that point of time, giving growers critical information about the plant’s immediate needs.
The testing originated from Australia, where it was developed for its highly irrigation-dependant fruit and vegetable crops. The technology was introduced to Fast in 1985.
