WHAT IS FOLIAR FERTILIZER?

Foliar fertilization involves spraying a fertilizer solution so that plants can obtain nutrients through their leaves. Fertilization involves applying nutrients directly to the leaves for foliar absorption. Foliar fertilization allows nutrients to enter the plant's system directly through the leaves, contributing to the plant's metabolism and organic matter synthesis. This is more rapid and effective than soil fertilization. Therefore, it is often used as an effective and timely treatment for nutrient deficiencies in crops. Fertilization can also be staged according to the crop's growth stage, seedling condition, and soil fertility availability. This leverages the rapid response of foliar fertilizers to ensure that crops grow and develop normally under optimal fertilization and water conditions, achieving high yields and high quality.

WHY IS FOLIAR SPRAYING NECESSARY?

1. Supplementing Deficiencies in Root Fertilization

When root fertilization is inconvenient for crops, such as in the late stages of growth, when root vitality declines and nutrient absorption capacity decreases; or when soil conditions are unfavorable for crop growth, such as excessive water, drought, or excessively acidic or alkaline soils, root absorption is hindered. However, crops need to recover quickly. If root fertilization cannot meet crop needs in a timely manner, foliar spraying can be the only way to quickly replenish nutrients and meet their growth and development needs.

2. Rapid Nutrient Replenishment

During crop growth, crops may already be showing signs of nutrient deficiencies. Since soil fertilization requires time for nutrients to be absorbed by the crop, it cannot alleviate these deficiencies in a timely manner. Foliar fertilization, in these cases, allows nutrients to quickly enter the plant through the leaves, addressing the deficiency.

3. Maximizing Fertilizer Efficiency

Certain fertilizers, such as phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc, are easily fixed in the soil when applied to the roots, affecting their effectiveness. Foliar spraying, however, is not limited by soil conditions. For example, some fruit trees and other deep-rooted crops absorb certain nutrients at low levels. Traditional fertilization methods make it difficult to reach the root system and thus fail to fully utilize the nutrients. Foliar spraying, however, can achieve better results.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Various trace elements are essential nutrients for crop growth and development, but application rates are very low. For example, molybdenum fertilizer requires only a few dozen grams per mu, making it difficult to distribute evenly if applied through the roots. Only foliar spraying can achieve cost-effectiveness. Research estimates show that boron utilization rates for crops using foliar sprays are 8.18 times higher than those using basal fertilizers. From an economic perspective, foliar spraying is more cost-effective than foliar application.

5. Reduce Soil Pollution

Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer to the soil can easily lead to nitrate accumulation in groundwater and vegetables, posing a threat to human health. Approximately 75% of nitrate absorbed by humans comes from vegetables. Foliar fertilization, by appropriately reducing soil fertilizer application, can reduce nitrate levels in plants and residual mineral nitrogen in the soil. On salinized soils, soil fertilization may increase soil solution concentration, exacerbating salinization. Foliar fertilization not only saves fertilizer but also reduces soil and water pollution, making it an effective fertilization technique that kills two birds with one stone.

ADVANTAGES OF FOLIAR SPRAYING?

1. Low Dosage, More Economical

Application of micronutrient fertilizers to the soil, if used as basal fertilizer, results in poor results if applied in relatively high quantities. Generally, 0.5-2.0 kg per mu is needed. Foliar spraying, on the other hand, is more economical with a low concentration (spray once or twice for leafy vegetables, once every 10 days for nightshades, using one-fifth the amount applied to the soil) and facilitates crop absorption.

2. High Fertilizer Efficiency

Foliar spraying allows nutrients to enter the leaf cuticle and stomata, avoiding direct contact with the soil, thereby preventing soil fixation and reducing effectiveness.

3. Rapid Nutrient Absorption and High Efficiency

Foliar spraying allows nutrients to directly contact the stems and leaves, facilitating rapid absorption and transport. 4. Easy to Control Concentration

Foliar spraying of micronutrient fertilizers is easy to control, safe, and does not cause poisoning.

5. Reduced Pollution

Foliar spraying of micronutrient fertilizers uses low concentrations, generally diluted to 0.1%-0.3%. This reduces the amount used and does not pollute the environment.

HOW TO IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FOLIAR FERTILIZATION?

Many farmers believe that when spraying crops or vegetables, the more fertilizer they apply, the better. Some even believe that combining foliar fertilizer with other fertilizers yields better results. This is not true. As long as the right methods are used, they can also promote crop growth.

For example, highly volatile fertilizers such as ammonia and ammonium phosphate should not be used as foliar fertilizers because they can damage crops and burn leaves if exposed to high temperatures. Furthermore, many micronutrient fertilizers should not be mixed with pesticides. For example, when mixing acidic and alkaline fertilizers, the fertilizer and pesticide should be mixed and applied in a targeted manner to achieve "one application, multiple effects." Otherwise, the results will be counterproductive.