1、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.

2、Foliar nutrition: Potential and challenges under multifaceted

Foliar fertilization has been well recognized for two decades to affect crop productivity, however, the consequences of foliar spray under multiple environmental stresses remains elusive, albeit evidence to resilience agriculture has grown widely.

3、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.

4、Foliar Feeding: A Guide to Effective Nutrient Supplementation

Unlike traditional soil-based fertilization, foliar feeding allows nutrients to be absorbed rapidly through the leaf surfaces, offering an efficient way to supplement plant nutrition.

Understanding Foliar Fertilizers: A Guide for Farmers

By understanding the correct application methods, choosing the right formulations, and integrating foliar fertilization with traditional soil fertilization, farmers can optimize crop productivity and profitability.

Foliar fertilizers: Enhancing nutrient uptake for healthy plants

Because they are absorbed directly through the leaves, nutrients bypass soil nutrient cycling and are immediately available for plant uptake. This can be particularly beneficial during critical growth stages or periods of nutrient deficiency when plants require immediate nutritional support.

Foliar Fertilization

Ideally foliar feeds should be applied in the cooler morning or evening hours. It is not advisable to spray leaves during the heat of the day. The combined effects of fertilizer and sunlight on the foliage could cause tissue damage.

Guide to Foliar Fertilization: Best Practices, Dosages, and Benefits

Apply at the Right Time of Day. Best times: early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid sunburn and maximize absorption. If rain falls within 3 hours of application, reapply.

Can Foliar Fertilization Be Applied at Low Temperatures in Winter?

Therefore, it is recommended that foliar fertilizers be applied at dusk or early evening when dew is on the leaves, in high volume water, and using smaller droplets to cover more of the leaf.

Frontiers

Excess application of foliar fertilizers can result in nutrient toxicity then limit crop growth (Al-Juthery et al., 2021). Moreover, soil and foliar application of fertilizers can disturb plant N 2 O emission.

Leaf freezing occurs when transparent ice crystals form on the surface or between the veins of plant leaves under cold climatic conditions. This phenomenon typically arises in environments with temperatures below 0°C, especially during winter. Leaf freezing may impair photosynthesis in plants, subsequently affecting their growth and development.

I. The Impact of Frozen Leaves on Plants

1. Disrupted Photosynthesis: Ice coating leaf surfaces blocks sunlight from reaching chloroplasts, hindering effective photosynthesis. This slows plant growth, reduces nutrient synthesis, and weakens disease resistance.

2. Reduced Transpiration: Frozen leaves restrict stomatal opening, lowering water vapor loss. complete ice encasement can severely limit transpiration, risking dehydration.

3. Physiological Dysregulation: In extreme cold, plants activate "freeze protection" mechanisms to prevent intracellular fluid loss. This may disrupt metabolic processes, such as reduced enzyme activity and hormonal imbalances.

4. Slowed Respiration: Lowered leaf temperatures from ice reduce respiratory rates, conserving energy in cold conditions but potentially delaying growth in warmer seasons.

5. Root System Damage: Soil moisture freezing in extreme cold hinders root water uptake, damaging roots and possibly leading to root death.

6. Increased Disease Risk: Ice-coated leaves create humid microenvironments favorable for bacterial/fungal growth, raising infection risks. Cold also limits pathogen spread.

7. Seed Dormancy Triggered: Leaf freezing may induce seed dormancy, pausing germination until spring warmth arrives.

8. Delayed Flowering: For flowering plants and fruit trees, low temperatures inhibit bud formation, postponing bloom periods.

9. Reduced Fruit Quality: Ice-affected leaves disrupt fruit maturation, leading to poor taste, texture, and nutritional value.

II. Post-Freezing Management Strategies

1. Irrigation Management

• Timely Hydration: After leaf freezing, check soil moisture to prevent desiccation. Water moderately to maintain soil humidity without overwatering, which could cause root rot.
• Adaptive Watering: Reduce irrigation frequency in winter due to lowered transpiration. Gradually increase watering as temperatures rise in spring.

2. Fertilization Management

• Nutrient-Balanced Fertilizers: Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus/potassium fertilizers to boost cold resistance. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which increase leaf water content and worsen ice formation.
• Optimal Timing: Apply fertilizers after soil thawing when roots regain activity. Avoid fertilizing before freezing to prevent excess soil moisture.

3. Pruning Management

• Remove Diseased/Weak Branches: Clean dead/diseased foliage to reduce pest/disease spread and improve light penetration.
• Prune Infected Stems: Cut and disinfect infected branches, applying fungicides to curb pathogen spread.

4. Cold Protection

• Mulching: Cover outdoor plants with straw, non-woven fabric, or frost blankets to retain heat.
• Indoor Heating: Use heaters, thermostats, or grow lights to maintain stable temperatures for indoor plants, avoiding overheating.

5. Monitoring and Record-Keeping

• Weather Tracking: Follow forecasts to anticipate temperature changes and adjust care (e.g., irrigation, heating).
• Growth Observation: Regularly document leaf color, size, and health. Address abnormalities promptly.

6. Preventive Measures

• Cold-Resistant Varieties: Choose species/cultivars adapted to frigid climates.
• Proper Planting Density: Space plants to ensure adequate light and air circulation, minimizing stress.

Leaf freezing is a common challenge that disrupts plant growth. strategic interventions—such as controlled watering, balanced fertilization, pruning, and insulation—mitigate its effects. By monitoring weather patterns and soil conditions, growers can proactively safeguard plant health and resilience during cold snaps.