The goal of a soil fertility program is to match the application of nutrients to soil with the crop's nutrient requirements for an intended or target yield. Tissue testing is a tool that can be used to assist in identifying nutrient deficiencies in the plant that may be limiting crop growth and yield. Tissue testing is not a replacement for a sound program of soil sampling and testing, but rather is a diagnostic tool that can be used to determine if a designed nutrient management plan based on soil sample results and the application of those results is working.