A Revolutionary Guide to Crop Nutrition Through Leaf & Petiole Testing
Learn to Read the Language of Your Crops—and Feed Only What They Ask For
Ask the Plant
is more than a book—it’s a turning point in modern agronomy. Based on the foundational work of agronomist K. Chandler and presented through the lens of Acres USA founder Charles Walters, this essential guide teaches farmers and growers how to let the plant speak first
—then fertilize accordingly.
Rather than force-feeding with high doses of synthetic nitrogen, this book outlines how to monitor nutrient levels through leaf and petiole testing, interpret the plant’s true needs, and apply targeted, efficient, and biologically compatible nutrition.
What You’ll Learn
How to use leaf and petiole tissue testing
as a real-time diagnostic tool
Why conventional NPK models fall short in long-term soil health
How to fine-tune fertilizer programs
using plant signals—not guesswork
The role of organic matter and mineral balance
in sustainable productivity
Strategies to reduce inputs while increasing crop health and quality
Why This Book Matters
After more than 70 years of conventional agriculture mining soils without fully replenishing them, growers are seeing the effects: nutrient lockout, declining organic matter, and weak crop performance.
Ask the Plant
offers a practical way forward—by teaching you to work with biology, not against it.
Product Details
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Acres USA
Author: Charles Walters
Pages: ~300
Audience: Farmers, agronomists, consultants, regenerative growers, students of soil health
Order Your Copy of Ask the Plant
Today
Whether you manage 10 acres or 10,000, this book will change the way you see fertility, inputs, and the soil-plant relationship. Learn to listen—then grow with intention.
Hi there! Have some questions about our company? Find the answers below.
What are your business hours?
Our office is open Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. We do close for major holidays, so we recommend ordering your testing and sending your sample early if a holiday is coming up. You can always reach us by email. Just send us a message at info@tpslab.com
When will I get my results?
We understand that you need your results as soon as possible. That is why we make sure to begin processing your samples as soon as they arrive at our laboratory. When the results are ready, we will email them to the email address you provided on your submittal form. The list below will give you an idea of our usual turnaround times.
Soil Tests: 5-7 Business days
Water Tests: 5 - 7 Business days
Plants Tests: 24 - 48 Hours
Compost Tests: 7 - 14 Business days
Fertilizer Tests: 3 - 5 Business days
Heavy Metals Test: 7 - 14 Business days
We offer a rush option for an additional 50% of the testing cost, but we would encourage you to give yourself time to test before you get to a point where a rush is needed.
