FAQ

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Which elements does NovaCropControl analyse?

A plant sap measurement consists of 22 main and trace elements, which gives a complete picture of the total mineral uptake of the crop. Per sample we analyse the total set of elements:

Sugars, pH, EC, Potassium, Calcium, K/Ca ratio, Magnesium, Sodium, Ammonium, Nitrate, N in Nitrate, Total Nitrogen, Chloride, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Silicon, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Copper, Molybdenum and Aluminium.

An example report for water and plant sap can be found on our website.

When is the best time to sample?

Take samples before 9 AM to ensure enough cell tension in the leaves, this will give the most accurate and reliable results. In the night when the plant is in its resting phase elements are relocated in the plant. Taking samples later in the day can influence the plant sap levels due to imbalances in moisture content and nutrient uptake in the leaves. Do you want to know more about how to sample properly? Check out our sampling guides on our website.

Why sample young and old leaves separately?

We advise to sample young and old leaves separately since this will provide a complete overview of the plant’s elemental uptake. Some deficiencies will first be visible in the old leaves, like Potassium, Nitrate, Magnesium and Phosphorus. Whereas the young parts will first show the deficiencies of Calcium, Sulphur and several of the trace elements. Besides that it is also very useful to see the differences between the young and old leaves. If for example Potassium in the old leaves is lower than the young leaves this shows that the plant is using its reserves for filling of the fruits for example.

So for a complete overview of your crop it is best to sample young and old parts separately. This will be analysed at two different samples.

What is the correct sampling method?

There are sampling guides available for a lot of different crops, available in Dutch, English and German. Switching the language of the website will make sampling guides in the different languages available. If there’s no sampling guide available for our crop feel free to contact us so we can help you out.  

Do you analyse my crop?

We have experience with a lot of different crops. For the most common crops we have sampling guides available. For most crops we also have target values. Is your crop not similar to any of the crops in the sampling guides and/ or do we not have target values for your crop? Contact us so we can help you out.

How do I order samples and what are the costs?

We work with a bundle system, you purchase a bundle with labels from us. Every label is worth one analysis. The whole bundle will be invoiced at once after purchase. This keeps our administration costs low, so that we can give a discount when purchasing larger numbers. The bundles can be purchased in any size. The final number of samples determines in which price scale the bundle will be. Prices are per sample; so per young leaf sample, per old leaf sample or per water sample and is exclusive of VAT and any consultancy costs. When purchasing a bundle, the labels with unique barcodes will be sent, one label equals one analysis. Sample materials can also be purchased with the order (bags/bottles), for € 0.50 per sample. We use a shipping rate outside the Netherlands for sending these sample materials. The labels are valid for 1 year after the date of purchase.

You can order by filling in the Excel format and sending it to info@novacropcontrol.nl. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application form, do not hesitate to contact us first using the contact form or call.

What is meant by pre-printed labels?

Pre-printed labels on which the location, cultivation, crop and plant part are printed are the most practical, this also applies to the water samples. This brings the following benefits:

• The labels do not have to be filled in on the spot during sampling.
• When the information on the labels is handwritten, it can be difficult for our employees to read what is written, which can lead to writing errors and incorrect reports.
• With pre-printed labels the same location and cultivation always have the same name, which makes the analyses reports and graphs in Bemesting-Online more clear.
• Better advice can be given on the samples with pre-printed labels.
• Ordering pre-printed labels can contribute to a structured sampling schedule for your crop/cultivation.

You can order labels by filling in the Excel form and sending it to info@novacropcontrol.nl. Do you have questions? Do not hesitate to contact us using the contact form.

How should I send a package?

Samples can be sent by post using an envelope or small box. It is important that all samples are sent in one envelope. It is possible that two different packages sent at the same time may not be delivered at the same time. If the samples do not all fit in one envelope, we recommend using a small box instead. More information about shipping can be found under shipping information on our website.

For samples sent from outside the EU, we have created a shipment guide, which can be found on our website via the following link: Shipment guide.

What is the difference between plant sap and dry matter analysis?

Only four to six weeks after a deficient amount of nutrients is taken up a dry matter analysis will show a deficiency. For this reason, corrective action often comes too late. With the use of plant sap analysis, this would no longer be a problem: a plant sap analysis can show a deficiency within just a few days. This allows for a rapid response to changes in nutrient uptake. NovaCropControl analyses plant sap, not dry matter.

Has my package arrived, and when will my samples be analysed?

• Packages received at our office before 9:00 a.m. will be analysed the same working day, you will receive the results the next working day.
• Packages received at our office after 9:00 a.m. will be analysed the next working day, you will receive the results the consecutive working day.

We are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. You can find Dutch public holidays on our website under the news section ‘Adjusted opening hours holidays’.

We receive many packages daily. Therefore, we prefer not to receive emails regarding deliveries. If you want more information about your package, please check the track and trace information provided by your shipping service. If there is a delay or a problem, we are of course happy to help where we can. In such cases, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@novacropcontrol.nl.

How can I change my company information?

Send us an email (info@novacropcontrol.nl) with the changes, and we will update your details in our system. Unfortunately, it is not possible for you to change this yourself.

My samples have been in transit for a long time. Can they still be analysed?

Upon arrival, all samples are checked for freshness, quantity, and any other irregularities. If the quality is not sufficient for analysis, the samples will not be analysed. An email with a suitable solution will be sent to the email address associated with your account.

We recommend sending samples as fresh as possible, but even samples that have been in transit for a longer time can still provide valuable information. A longer transit time does not automatically mean samples will be rejected.

What are the target values based on, and for which crops does NovaCropControl provide them?

On the analysis report, green bar graphs are shown that indicate the plant’s mineral uptake; these are our target values. The developed target values are crop-specific. They are based on our database of submitted samples, field experience, and deficiency trials. Target values are being updated with new insights or expanded to include new crops.

As the number of samples, trials, and knowledge increases, we are able to define target values for more and more crops. A current list is available on our website. If your crop is not listed, we unfortunately do not have target values available for it.

Are there different target values for young and old leaves or growth stages?

We use the same target values for young and old leaves, for different growth stages, and for crops from different countries. The target value is a guideline to assess your samples, but if all values are below the target yet in balance with each other, your crop may still be growing well.

What matters most is that the different elements and young and old leaves are in balance. For example, if a mobile element such as potassium is lower in the older leaves than in the younger leaves, there may be a potassium deficiency. This might not be visible yet, but sap results can already indicate it. The same goes for elements that compete with each other in uptake. High potassium uptake can block calcium uptake. So, you could say that calcium is below the target—too low. Or perhaps potassium uptake is above the target, and there is too much potassium in the irrigation rather than too little calcium. It's all about balance!

We do not have target values for different growth stages or countries of origin; these variations fall within the target range. If you want specific advice, we can recommend a consultant who can review your samples and provide tailored advice.

How can I gain more insight into interpreting the data?

To get a good understanding of nutrient uptake throughout the growing season, we recommend frequent sampling. The frequency and type of analysis depend on the crop. A large amount of data can be collected this way, which can make it difficult to see the bigger picture. Our online data platform Bemesting-Online helps with this, and NovaCropControl also offers seminars and webinars on plant sap analysis and fertilization. Via this link you can find an overview of the current seminars on plant sap analysis.

How does Bemesting-Online work?

Our free data program Bemesting-Online makes it easy to compare different crops, locations and/or growers. It also makes it easier to compare the data with the target values. This allows for better assessment of crop development. A time series of data gives more insight than a single analysis.

An account for Bemesting-Online can be requested once labels have been ordered. An account will then be created using your email address. Access is granted per person. If multiple people within a company want access, each will receive a separate account. To request an account, please contact us.

More information and instructional videos are available on our website.

Can I receive advice on my submitted samples?
We are happy to offer you advice at a reasonable hourly rate. Advice can be provided as feedback via graphs based on your analyses, which we email to you. It is also possible to schedule an (online) meeting to discuss the data together. Since multiple crops can be discussed in one graph, the preparation and consultation time varies per situation. For this reason, we always provide a customized quote.
Which crops and type of advice are you interested in? Contact us and we will gladly provide a price estimate tailored to your situation.