North Raleigh Today

Successful production of tobacco transplants begins with ensuring water quality and achieving the right nutrient levels in the float solution. Tobacco growers in North Carolina are advised to have their source water tested by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS).

“Alkalinity, pH, sodium and chloride issues are the most common water quality problems we see with float bed source water in North Carolina,” said Dr. Kristin Hicks, Plant/Waste/Solution/Media Lab Director of the Agronomic Services Division. “By getting the source water tested, growers can address any of these issues early on before they have a chance to impact transplant quality. The results from testing and making adjustments can be quite significant.”

After fertilizers are mixed into bays, growers should send a sample of their nutrient solution to verify that target nutrient concentrations have been achieved. Testing for both source water and nutrient solutions is available through a solution analysis offered by the Agronomic Services Division.

The test evaluates total alkalinity, pH, electrical conductivity (soluble salts), and measures concentrations of 12 essential plant nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron and chloride plus sodium. The NCDA&CS Solution Analysis Report provides this data along with nutrient management recommendations from an agronomist.

To collect samples for testing: use a clean plastic bottle such as a 16-ounce soda or water bottle; rinse it with the collected water before filling it. For source water samples—run water for 5 to 10 minutes before collecting from tap or emitter using code "ST." For nutrient solutions—ensure fertilizer is thoroughly mixed and dissolved; collect from emitter not stock tank using code "NT." Specify if using an organic nutrient solution.

Label each sample with an ID and complete a Solution Analysis Submission form available at various locations including online at https://www.ncagr.gov/agronomic/solution-analysis-client/submit-samples.

Results typically return within two to four business days after receipt of samples at a cost of $5 for those collected within North Carolina.

Samples should be mailed to:

Mailing address (USPS):

1040 Mail Service Center

Raleigh NC 27699

Physical address (UPS/FedEx):

4300 Reedy Creek Rd

Raleigh NC 27607

For questions about sample collection or report interpretation visit https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/agronomic-services/solution-analysis/growers or contact the Agronomic Division at 919-664-1606. Additional advice can be sought from NCDA&CS regional agronomists or county NCSU Cooperative Extension agents via https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/agronomic-services/field-services.