Search Results
Abstract
A near-infrared reflectance (NIR) technique was developed that provides a rapid, nondestructive, nonchemical analysis of ground apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) leaf tissue for predicting total N content. Leaf tissue samples of apple with known (chemical) leaf N concentrations ranging from about 1.6% to 2.9% N were used in the calibration of the NIR technique. The NIR technique was highly correlated (r = 0.923) with the chemically determined total leaf N content. Prediction of tissue N values was performed with a standard error of estimate of about ±0.10% N. This value compares favorably with the standard error obtained for duplicate determinations preformed by a tissue analysis facility employing standard chemical (Kjeldahl) digestion methodology.