1、Research Progress on Role and Mechanisms of Foliar Fertilizer in

Foliar fertilization can enhance the antioxidant activity of crops, regulate photosynthetic activity, energy metabolism and nutrient assimilation and other physiological processes to promote crop growth.

2、Effect of Nutrient Forms in Foliar Fertilizers on the Growth and

The assessment of foliar fertilizers’ effectiveness in enhancing crop yields should consider not only the form and concentration of their components but also environmental factors, particularly the physicochemical properties of the soil.

3、Foliar fertilizers: Enhancing nutrient uptake for healthy plants

Foliar fertilizers provide plants with a concentrated dose of the essential. nutrients, supporting key physiological processes such as photosynthesis, enzyme activity, and hormone synthesis. This can result in increased biomass production, improved crop quality, and enhanced stress tolerance.

Foliar nutrition: Potential and challenges under multifaceted

Foliar-applied fertilizers showed higher crop plants yield and quality traits by 15–19% and 9–29%, respectively, under different environmental stresses. The knowledge gaps to improve the effectiveness of foliar nutrition from economic and ecological perspectives has been discussed.

Understanding Foliar Fertilizers: A Guide for Farmers

Foliar fertilizers work by penetrating the plant’s cuticle or stomata, which are tiny openings on the leaf surface. Once inside the leaf, nutrients are transported through the plant’s vascular system, reaching areas that need them the most.

Effects of Foliar Fertilization: a Review of Current Status and Future

Foliar fertilizer application after soil fertilization is an effective method to increase the contents of trace elements in crops and crop yield, and to improve the soil environment. However, the application of inorganic foliar fertilizer results in difficulties in nutrient absorption and migration in plants.

What Components Can Be Used in Foliar Fertilizers?

Foliar fertilizer is a type of fertilizer applied directly onto plant leaves. It can rapidly replenish essential nutrient elements for plants, promote growth, and increase yield.

Foliar Fertilization: Scientific Principles and Field Practices

This IFA publication provides readers an up-to date information and clarification on the scientific basis of foliar fertilization and plant responses to it. It describes the ‘state-of- knowledge’ on the mechanisms of uptake by plant leaves of foliar-applied nutrient solutions.

Foliar Fertilizer

Foliar fertilization offers several advantages over traditional soil-applied fertilizers, including rapid nutrient absorption, reduced nutrient fixation in the soil, and targeted nutrient delivery to actively growing plant tissues.

Effects of Foliar Fertilization: a Review of Current Status and Future

Chelated foliar fertilizers are effective for improving element utilization efficiency, crop yield, and quality. The physicochemical properties, molecular structure, chelating strength, and chelating rate of chelating agents modulate the effects of application of nutrients.

Foliar fertilizers, also known as foliar spray fertilizers or leaf-washing fertilizers, are nutrients applied directly to plant leaves to provide nourishment and promote growth. They typically contain a variety of nutritional components, including major elements like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as trace elements and organic matter. The functions of foliar fertilizers are primarily reflected in the following aspects:

1. Supplement Nutrients: Foliar fertilizers are absorbed directly by plant leaves, providing essential nutrients such as N, P, and K to enhance growth speed and yield.

2. Promote Growth: Trace elements and organic substances in foliar fertilizers stimulate photosynthesis, improve stress resistance, and boost overall plant health.

3. Prevent Diseases and Pests: Certain ingredients in foliar fertilizers possess antibacterial, antiviral, or insecticidal properties, effectively reducing the incidence of plant diseases and pests.

4. Improve Quality: By balancing nutrient uptake, foliar fertilizers enhance crop quality, such as increasing fruit sugar content and flavor.

5. Increase Yield: Foliar fertilizers boost photosynthetic efficiency and accumulation of photosynthates, thereby improving crop yields.

6. Extend Shelf Life: These fertilizers slow down plant senescence, prolonging post-harvest freshness and market competitiveness.

7. Save Resources: Foliar application reduces labor and costs associated with soil fertilization.

Key Components of Foliar Fertilizers

1. Nitrogen Fertilizers: Such as urea and potassium nitrate, which provide nitrogen for protein synthesis and cell division.
2. Phosphate Fertilizers: Like diammonium phosphate and superphosphate, supplying phosphorus for root development and flower bud differentiation.
3. Potassium Fertilizers: Including potassium sulfate and potassium chloride, which enhance disease resistance and lodging resistance.
4. Trace Elements: Boron (B), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo) support critical physiological processes.
5. Organic Substances: Humic acid, seaweed extracts, etc., which stimulate plant vitality and growth.

Application Methods

1. Select Appropriate Formulations: Choose fertilizers based on plant type and growth stage.
2. Dilute Properly: Follow instructions to dilute (typically around 1000:1 dilution ratio).
3. Spray Evenly: Use sprayers to apply the diluted solution evenly onto leaves.
4. Precautions:
   • Avoid spraying during high-temperature periods to prevent damage.
   • Shield leaves from direct sunlight during application.
   • Wear protective gear to avoid skin or eye contact.

foliar fertilizers offer a highly efficient and convenient way to rapidly replenish nutrients, accelerate growth, and improve crop quality and yield. For optimal results, select suitable products, adhere to dilution guidelines, and follow application protocols carefully.