Discover the benefits of foliar nutrition
Complementary Nutrition:-
Foliar application is a must when soil fertilization is sub-optimal or ineffective.
In many farming practices, most of the fertilizers for the growing season are applied as base
dressing. Such practices often result in a significant decrease in essential nutrients in the soil during the
season. This may affect plant growth and reduces yield. A mid-season foliar spray of fertilizers will
balance and complete plant nutrition, and help to retain healthy and fruitful growth. A relatively small
amount of fertilizers will lead to a dramatic improvement and will get the crops to optimal growth
curves. This is a real Bonus. In some cases, the uptake of nutrients by the roots may be impaired due to low
temperatures, water logging, nematodes, or other reasons. Here also, foliar nutrition is a true bonus,
offering beneficial complementary nutrition.
Corrective nutrition
Soil nutrients may be out of balance:
Your soil can be a good source of nutrients for your growing crop. But, if your soil is not
balanced, an excess of one nutrient can limit the availability of another, causing a deficiency in
your crop. Also, during each unique growth stage, your crops require unique levels of nutrients.
For e.g., vegetative stages require more calcium for plant structure and strength while
reproductive stages need more potassium for strong blossoming, pollination and fruit set etc.
Foliar sprays are fast-acting and effective for treating nutrient deficiencies.
Foliar uptake of nutrients is much faster than root uptake. Therefore foliar feeding is the
method of choice when deficiency symptoms are noted, and prompt correction of deficiencies
is required. Nutrients are rapidly absorbed through the foliage, providing the plant with the missing
nutrients, and strengthening it.
Easy Assimilation:-
The foliar application ensures that plants absorb the number of nutrients necessary for their
development, which is difficult to assimilate entirely by roots. Spray application of leaves is a
solution to fill an insufficient level of root assimilation. Interaction between soil and fertilizer
may reduce element availability after soil application.
Growth boosting:-
Precise timing of foliar nutrition leads to growth and yield improvement.
Certain phases of plant development are highly important in determining the final yield. Foliar
nutrition precisely given during these specific phenology stages ensures optimal growth and
the best possible yield. In relatively low concentrations at these critical stages, foliar nutrition
boosts the physiological processes of the plant, ensures optimal development, and contributes
significantly to higher yields and better quality.
Providing the right nutrients at the right time:
Applying foliar nutrition can help meet the dynamic nutrient needs of your crop. Time is of the
essence when it comes to nutrient delivery at critical growth stages for the crop and foliar
feeding can provide immediate and targeted delivery of those nutrients that will make the
biggest difference in your crop’s quality and yield potential.
Specific induction:-
Foliar fertilizers activate particular plant mechanisms:
Foliar application of certain fertilizers is known to induce dormancy breaking in grapes and
deciduous fruit trees. They are also efficient in stimulating flowering, mainly in mango.
Tips for a successful foliar spray:
- Spray during the cooler and more humid hours of the day.
- Apply foliar spray when the wind is low.
- Test for possible side effects or phytotoxicity by a small trial, spraying a week prior to the intended commercial treatments.
- After spraying rinse thoroughly the sprayer and all its parts with fresh water.