ISHS Acta Horticulturae 84: V Africa Symposium on Horticultural Crops
FOLIAR FERTILIZATION - A TECHNIQUE FOR IMPROVED CROP PRODUCTION |
| Author: | A. Fritz |
| Abstract:
It was found that plants can also make use of nutrients applied to the foliage. Practical use of the plant's ability to take up nutrients via the leaves is made by application of foliar fertilizers. The process of nutrient uptake via leaves is explained. The optimum nutrient composition of leaves has been studied with leaf analysis in many crops. Foliar fertilization should be physiologically balanced containing all main and secondary plant nutrients and essential trace elements. In line with the development pattern of each individual crop, optimum application periods for foliar fertilization can be identified, mostly being identical with periods of highest production of dry matter. Repeated application of small units of foliar fertilizers are stimulating plant metabolism and increased nutrient uptake via the roots can be observed. Total production as well as its quality is improved by foliar fertilization. The stimulating effect of foliar fertilization depends on sound basic fertilizer rates including the supply of trace elements either via root or via the foliage. Foliar fertilization thus being a supplement to adequate fertilizer application to the soil, not a substitute. Trace element fertilization via the leaves leads to special economical results avoiding high losses of trace elements in the soil (immobilization). Ample examples of trial results of foliar fertilizer application are given for various crops. | |
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