The foliar fertilizers They are very useful if we want our plants to be beautiful, healthy and have abundant and spectacular flowering. However, we do not always use them correctly.
To avoid any doubts and misuse that could end up damaging your plants, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this product. This way, you will get the most out of it with all the necessary security.
What are foliar fertilizers?
Fertilizers are products, of natural or industrial origin, that provide plants with the nutrients they need to grow and flourish.
The particularity of foliar fertilizers is that They are applied directly to the leaves, in liquid form, so that they can supplement or correct nutritional deficiencies quickly and efficiently.
The leaves have microscopic structures (stomata) that allow the entry of nutrients previously dissolved in water, thus ensuring faster absorption than if we apply them to the substrate.
Making a comparison with medicine, a fertilizer applied to the substrate would be like a pill. On the other hand, foliar fertilizer would be for the plant what the application of medicine intravenously is for us. That is, it is its effect is noticeable much more quickly.
When to use foliar fertilizers?
It should be noted that this product is rather an emergency solutionIdeally, we should regularly apply a soil fertilizer during the period of active plant growth. If we notice that something is wrong, then we can resort to this product.
The usual type of fertilization is used:
When there are visible nutritional deficiencies
If the leaves have chlorosis (they turn yellow), or stains, deformations or dry edges have appeared.
These symptoms are usually the result of a micronutrient deficiency such as iron, zinc, magnesium or manganese. When applying foliar fertilizer, we try to correct this deficiency quickly and locally.
In critical stages of crop development
For example, during the flowering, fruiting or seed formation. And also if we want to achieve accelerated vegetative growth.
Because at these stages the demand for nutrients is very high, and by applying them directly to the leaves we improve crop yield.
When the soil presents limitations
If our plants are in soil that is too compact, saline, with an inadequate pH or that cannot manage humidity well, it is more interesting to apply the fertilizer on the leaves than on the substrate.
As a complement to soil fertilization
Overfertilizing plants is never good, because we can get the opposite result to what we were looking for.
However, if you have plants that require a lot of nutrients For its development, you can sporadically apply foliar fertilizers as a complement to soil fertilization.
In stressful situations
Plants may be more or less resistant to stress, but they all show signs of weakening when faced with changes such as transplanting or a new location.
A good way to get a faster recovery from stress is to apply a little fertilizer to the leaves.
How are foliar fertilizers applied?
You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but here is a general guide.
Dilute the fertilizer correctly
Foliar fertilizer usually comes in liquid form or as a soluble powder. In any case, you have to mix it with water in the specific dose indicated by the manufacturer.
Demand do not exceed, because doing so can cause burns on the leaves.
Apply with a sprayer
Put the mixture in a sprayer that allows for a fine and uniform dispersion of the product on all the leaves.
They should be wet, but not dripping too much. Also, make sure to apply the product to the underside as well (less than on the front of the leaf).
Choose the right time of day
The ideal is to apply the product in the early morning hours or already at dusk. Because this is when the temperature is lower and there is more humidity. The stomata are more open at this time and this facilitates the absorption of the product.
In any case, avoid applying this fertilizer on windy or sunny days, because the product will be washed away or evaporate quickly and you will not get the expected results.
Take the weather into account
Pay attention to the weather as well. Don't apply fertilizer on very dry and hot days, or if you know it's going to rain soon.
Respect the frequency and dosage
The frequency of application of foliar fertilizers depends on the needs of the plant and what the manufacturer indicates regarding this issue.
As we said before, it is better not to overdo it, because you can damage the leaves or cause nutritional imbalances.
Risks of improper use of foliar fertilizers
Using more product than necessary or using it more frequently than recommended puts your plants at risk:
- Phytotoxicity. If the fertilizer concentration is too high, leaf burns, yellowing, necrosis and even premature leaf fall occur. This reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize and weakens it.
- Nutritional imbalances. An excess of one nutrient can block the absorption of others, leading to unbalanced growth. For example, we may have too many leaves and not enough flowers.
- Loss of effectiveness. If you fertilize the leaves too often, the plant will eventually develop resistance and the product will end up being useless.
- Environmental pollution. Fertilizers can contaminate soil and nearby water sources, which can cause problems in the ecosystem.
- Residues on crops. If you use it on plants such as fruit trees, too much product can make the fruit inedible.
Foliar fertilizers should always be an emergency solution. If there is no important reason to resort to them, it is better to fertilize your plants in the traditional way.