1、Foliar nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization
It is concluded that if foliar fertilization is carried out in the correct way under carefully optimized conditions, it will be possible to obtain higher nutrient efficiencies than is the case for conventional soil-based fertilizer applications.
2、Effects of Foliar Fertilization: a Review of Current Status and Future
This review presents an overview of the effects of the application of foliar fertilization, focusing on the efficiency comparison between inorganic and chelated fertilizers.
3、(PDF) Enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of foliar
Foliar fertilization is a potential tool to increase the use-efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilizers. However, whilst leaf scorching has frequently been reported, the underlying...
Effects of different fertilization practices on maize yield, soil
However, it remains to be determined whether fertilization practices with different combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic (O) fertilizers play a...
Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency—Methods and Strategies for the
FUE indices are mainly used to assess the effectiveness of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization. This is due to the low efficiency of use of NPK fertilizers, their environmental side effects and also, in relation to P, limited natural resources.
Improving nutrient use efficiencies with foliar applied nutrients
Among many strategies that can play a role toward improving nutrient use efficiencies [NUE], foliar application of plant available nutrients has emerged as one potential tool that can play an important role in integrated nutrient management.
Foliar versus soil phosphorus (P) application for improving P
Abstract Phosphorus (P) is the most deficient nutrient in agricultural soils after nitrogen. Additionally, exogenously applied P quickly transforms into less soluble compounds through various chemo-sorption reactions resulting in poor fertilizer use efficiency (15–25%).
Fertilizer application rate and nutrient use efficiency in Chinese
We reviewed 476 papers from 1990 to 2021 to investigate the changes in the conventional application rate (CAR) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of fertilizers. The results indicated a decrease in the CAR of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers from 1993 to 2020.
Foliar fertilization for nutrient use efficiency
In wheat, foliar application of nano-fertilizers, particularly Nano Chelated Super Fertilizer (NCSF), alone or in combination with potassium and amino acids, produced significant improvements in biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, and agronomic efficiency compared to control plots.
Direct applications are driving increased nutrient use efficiency
As part of the 2024 season’s trials, Dyson Farming Research (DFR) conducted replicated plot trials comparing potato yield responses to soil applied versus soil plus foliar applied nitrogen, phosphate or potassium.
A comparative analysis of the effects of foliar-applied nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers can be conducted from the following perspectives:
I. Functions and Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizers
1. Promoting Plant Growth
Nitrogen is a key component of proteins and nucleic acids in plants, making it essential for growth. Nitrogen fertilizers stimulate stem and leaf development, leading to sturdier plants.
2. Enhancing Stress Resistance
Nitrogen fertilizers improve a plant’s ability to resist diseases, pests, and adverse environmental conditions.
3. Supporting Flowering and Fruiting
Moderate nitrogen application promotes reproductive growth, increasing flower counts and fruit yields.
4. Impact on Nutrient Uptake
Nitrogen fertilizers enhance the absorption of other nutrients (e.g., phosphorus, potassium). excessive use can reduce the availability of these nutrients.
II. Functions and Effects of Phosphate Fertilizers
1. Stimulating Root Development
Phosphate fertilizers promote root growth and improve the root system’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
2. Increasing Crop Yields
Phosphate enhances photosynthetic efficiency, directly boosting crop productivity.
3. Improving Crop Quality
Proper phosphate application elevates protein content, fruit firmness, and other quality traits.
4. Impact on Nutrient Uptake
Phosphate fertilizers aid in the uptake of nutrients like potassium and calcium. overapplication can reduce their effectiveness.
III. Functions and Effects of Potassium Fertilizers
1. Boosting Disease Resistance
Potassium strengthens a plant’s defenses against pathogens, reducing disease incidence.
2. Accelerating Maturation
Potassium promotes faster crop maturation and enhances quality traits (e.g., taste, texture).
3. Balancing Nutrient Dynamics
Potassium regulates soil nutrient balance, preventing growth issues caused by imbalances.
4. Impact on Nutrient Uptake
Potassium facilitates the absorption of nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium. Excessive use, can lower their availability.
IV. Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of N, P, and K Fertilizers
1. Complementary Roles
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium have synergistic effects when applied together, maximizing benefits when balanced.
2. Mutual Constraints
Excessive use of any single fertilizer can harm soil health and disrupt plant growth.
3. Holistic Evaluation
Practical farming decisions should consider crop requirements, soil conditions, and climate to optimize fertilization strategies.
Foliar application of nitrogen, phosphate, or potassium fertilizers each has distinct advantages and limitations. For optimal results, farmers should tailor their choices based on crop needs and environmental factors, combining different fertilizers proportionally to achieve the best outcomes.

