Soil Analysis vs. Leaf Analysis

In agriculture, understanding nutrient status is essential, but how you measure it makes all the difference.

Soil analysis tells you what nutrients are available in the soil. It’s valuable for understanding long‑term fertility, but it comes with a key limitation: availability doesn’t equal uptake. Just because nutrients are present in the soil doesn’t mean the plant absorbs them. Soil texture, moisture, root activity, microbial interactions and competition all influence what actually reaches the plant.

Leaf analysis, on the other hand, measures the nutrients that have been successfully taken up and integrated into the vine’s metabolism. It reflects the plant’s real nutritional status and not just the potential of the soil. With the Metiris’ leaf-clip sensor, you get a direct view of the plant's nutrient balance and insights that reflect actual plant health and not just soil conditions.

Soil analysis shows the environment. Leaf analysis shows the plant. Together they’re complementary, but when growers need to know how their plants are truly performing, the leaf tells the real story.