Crop Diagnostic Key
This Crop Diagnostic Key helps growers step through symptoms to narrow down crop problems. Fill it in by hand and keep it with your farm records for later seasons.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideCrops & AgronomyFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Note crop, variety and growth stage
- Describe symptoms and plant part affected
- Note field pattern: uniform, patchy or edge
- Check for pest or disease signs
- Check recent herbicide or fertilizer use
- Review weather and soil conditions
- Compare to extension diagnostic resources
- Record likely cause and follow up
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with eXtension and USDA.
For more in this area, see the row crop calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including International Crop Expo, and farming farm stories.