What Are Foliar Fertilisers?

Foliar fertiliser technology is a unique, dynamic and effective method of crop nutrition.

Foliar feeding provides an excellent solution when the plant root system is not functioning optimally or nutrition via the soil is malfunctioning. This form of feeding is ideal when root uptake is disturbed by factors such as overly cold or warm soils, high soil pH, high weed competition or nematode infestation. Foliar fertilisers are also perfect for use as a preventive tool to avoid deficiencies and reduce stress situations.

ICL Specialty Fertilizers’ research and development team have developed some of the world’s leading and most innovative foliar nutritional solutions. These state-of-the-art solutions focus on both applications for curative and preventive actions.

ICL uses unique patented technologies like M-77 and Fertivant to increase the efficiency of the foliar application.

 

Frequently asked questions regarding foliar feeding:

 

How does Foliar feeding stimulate growth?

It serves as an effective supplementary feeding to complete soil fertilization and correction of nutrient deficiencies. Foliar fertilisers absorb much faster into the leaves compared to the roots system, in this way, there is the effectiveness of absorption of nutrients that affect the health and productivity of the plant

Is Foliar Fertilizer an adequate substitute for more conventional fertilizer treatments?

No, foliar fertiliser completes soil fertilisation and in specific stages of crop development, it boosts yield and improves quality.

How does the application timing and amounts affect efficacy?

Different crop stages can be critical to determine what will be the total production. By using foliar fertilisers we can precisely provide the amount of nutrients for each specific stage, matching the different nutrition demands of a variety of crops.

What are common application methods for foliar fertilisers?

Spray high volume by spraying from the ground, low -medium volume by crop duster (air plan) and low volume by drones.

What are the common uses of foliar fertilisers?

To provide nutrient demands fast and effectively. When there is no need to fertigate/irrigate, or when the roots system is limited because of low temperatures, soil disease, or nematodes. 

Which trace elements are important for fruit and vegetable crops?

Usually, trace elements will be chosen according to soil type and test. Zinc (corn rice..), Copper, iron, molybdenum, Ca(apples), boron, Mg.

How to diagnose trace element deficiencies?

Basically, trace element deficiency will appear in younger leaves. Mg and Ca are considered secondary macro-elements. Mg deficiency will appear on old leaves and Ca on young and fruits. Different crops will show different symptoms.

How many applications are needed?

According to the foliar program for each crop. Please ask your agronomist or fertiliser specialist.

Can I combine different brands of foliar fertilizers or from the same brand?

It is advised not to mix different brands. Compatibility should be thoroughly tested if the grower would like to combine, and it is their responsibility. Before spraying on all plots, the farmer should test phytotoxicity on a number of plants.

It is possible to mix with pesticides?

Usually yes, but it should be tested before spraying on the field, to avoid sedimentation and blocked jet.