Foliar fertilizer is a product that allows the fertilization of plants when applied directly on the leaves. In this way, a sprayed solution is applied to the foliar mass of the crop. However, as pointed out by the Spanish Association of Agronutrient Manufacturersthe use of this type of fertilizers must be complementary to the fertilizers that help fertilization in the soil and to those produced by the plant itself.
What is foliar fertilizer used for?
The foliar fertilizer has a series of specific utilities that allow to solve in a very effective way some nutrition problems in crops. Among other benefits, we can highlight that:
- They make it possible to cover needs that would require greater difficulty or waiting time on the ground.
- It helps to quickly correct nutrient and other element deficiencies since, when sprayed directly on the crop, its absorption is much faster than that of other types of fertilizers.
- Contributes to boosting specific crop stages. Due to its fast effect, foliar fertilizer can be used to accelerate specific crop stages such as flowering, fruit set, fattening or ripening.
How nutrients are absorbed by the leaves when applied by foliar application
The nutrient absorption process begins when the foliar fertilizer comes into contact with the leaves of the plant. This process consists of three stages. First, the product is applied to the leaves, where it must remain for a few hours to increase the probability of absorption. In the second stage, the nutrients begin to be absorbed, but not before overcoming some natural barriers such as, for example, the cuticle and the outer wax layer of the leaves. The nutrient is then transported through the different layers of the leaf to the epidermal cells. Finally, the nutrients in the foliar fertilizer are distributed to the different organs of the plant where they are needed (Castillo, R. G. M., Marín, G. P., & León, R. G, 2013).
What characteristics must a fertilizer have in order to be foliar applied?
- It is applied by direct spraying on the plant.
- It is sensitive to climatic changes. Therefore, avoid applying them on rainy or sunny days.
- They are very efficient. Their effect on plants is usually noticed very quickly.
- They are a great ally as a complement, since they provide plants with beneficial elements such as magnesium, iron, etc.
Foliar fertilizer for crops: types, time of application and dosages
Foliar fertilizer for olive groves
The types of foliar fertilizers that can be used in olive groves are those rich in nitrogen or amino acids. In addition, the most appropriate time to apply them is during March and April, when the tree starts its vegetative growth. Another point to bear in mind is that depending on the stage of the tree we should apply one type of foliar fertilizer or another. At Agran you will find the best solutions for the olive grove.
- Flowering. During this stage we can use Agran Mixwhich will provide a cocktail of micronutrients and Breakoutwhich will act as an enhancer of flowering and fruit set.
- Olive fattening. In this case, calcium is suitable to enhance cell division, growth and fruit size increase. For this purpose, we have Vitol.
- Ripening and fat concentration (oil). It is advisable to apply products rich in potassium such as Super K and amino acids such as Agran Amino.
Foliar fertilizer for citrus
Another crop where we can use foliar fertilizer is citrus. Based on our citrus crop citrus crop programwe recommend the following products to improve the condition of your crops according to their needs:
- Improve sprouting. One of the products that will help you the most is Super Nitrowhich will provide nitrogen to the crops. In addition, it can be combined with microelement correctors such as Agran Mix.
- Improve flowering and fruit set. The following are recommended Breakoutis recommended to promote flowering and fruit set, and Calciumto provide calcium.
- Fruit fattening and obtaining color. To achieve this, potassium is of great importance, which you can provide with Super K.
Foliar fertilizer for horticultural crops
The horticultural crops can also benefit from the from the properties of foliar fertilizer. Among other things, it can help to:
Promote continuous flowering and fruit set. We can achieve this through activators that manage the energy and physiological balance of the crop such as Breakout.
Prevention of calcium deficiencies (Blossom end rot) thanks to Calcium.
Fruit fattening. For this, you can use Vitolwhich will also act as a growth promoter.
In short, foliar fertilizer is a product with many utilities. In addition, the fact that we can use it in specific cases and stages of crops makes it a very effective product. However, to achieve the best results, remember that it is important to follow the indications that you can find on our website or on the product packaging.
