Growers need to monitor soil and plant nutrient status, on a field-by field basis in order to manage soil fertility and avoid nutritional stress to their cotton crops. By regular soil and plant tissue testing, they can build a substantial bank of data to assist in managing soil fertility and planning a fertiliser program where this is required. Only in this way will growers be able to identify soil problems (eg high pH, low organic matter, high sodicity (ESP) salinity (EC) or chloride) that can limit production. Similarly, regular analysis of leaf blades can help identify nutrient imbalances, deficiencies and toxicities in a more precise way than soil testing