Which of the following practices helps in diagnosing nutrient sufficiency in plants?

Diagnosing nutrient sufficiency in plants is crucial for ensuring healthy growth and optimal yield. Plant tissue testing provides a direct assessment of the nutrient status within the plant itself. This testing involves collecting samples of plant tissues, typically leaves, and analyzing them for their nutrient content. The results from this analysis indicate whether the plants have sufficient, adequate, or deficient levels of essential nutrients. This practice allows for targeted nutrient management and corrective actions, such as adjusting fertilizer applications, which enhances overall crop health and productivity.

In contrast, while regular watering schedules, soil erosion control measures, and crop rotation are important agricultural practices, they do not directly assess the nutrient levels within the plants. Regular watering ensures adequate moisture but does not provide information on nutrient status. Soil erosion control measures help maintain soil health and prevent nutrient loss but again do not measure nutrient sufficiency in plants. Crop rotation can improve soil fertility over time and reduce pest problems but does not provide immediate data on the nutrient levels in the plants being grown in a given season. Therefore, plant tissue testing stands out as the most effective method for accurately diagnosing nutrient sufficiency.