For container nurseries, it is best to monitor both the fertility and physical properties of the potting media. This testing monitors the consistency of the mix components, along with the uniformity of the mixing process. This data becomes the “baseline” levels that the plants will initially grow in. From this point, the routine testing will follow the effects of the cultural management practices to determine if adjustments should be made. 

When plants are in a deficient or excessive growing system, they may not show the symptoms immediately. When the problem is identified early enough, it can be corrected and avoid affecting the appearance of the plants.

This is particularly important for Holiday crops that are grown to be ready for sale at a set date or period, where there will be less time for adjustments to be implemented.

Irrigation water testing is also very important for nursery production. The raw irrigation water may require treatment, such as acidification, in order to provide the best water for irrigating the crops being grown. Testing of the fertilizer solutions used at the nursery determines if the fertilizer materials are correct and being measured accurately and dispensed at the proper rates.