Thoughts about foliar feeding...
ladon
12 years ago
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GTNate
12 years agoladon
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Foliar Feeding: Myth? Or does it actually do something?
Comments (44)Natural equivalent? Rain water wets entire plants not just roots. Rainwater is mysteriously more effective than normal fertilization. Rainwater is usually ionized through lightning. You are thinking in terms of liquids. Leaves have evolved to be able to extract oxygen, nitrogen and C02 from air directly. Water was its first domain and most of the plants still have the ability to do so. Green algae have no roots. Aquatic plants or halophytes have roots but nutrients in the form of ionic solutions donÂt need to reach the roots to be absorbed. In aquatic plant keeping you will learn that you don't need to circulate your water (that has nutrients added) through the substrate, even if the substrate has no nutrient base at all. The plants sucks nutrients out of the water equally as fast, there is no difference. Some halophytes you find in aquatic plant keeping you wonÂt find growing in water when you go look for them in the wild. The only differences between a halophyte and a non halophyte plant is that their skins are adapted not to dry above water or to be able to access dissolved gasses below water. The one adaptation messes up the other ability. So in my opinion, plant foliar feeding will vary between plant species. Tough waxy plants will be less effective while soft fast growing, higher humidity or "higher plants" will be more effective at utilizing foliar feeds. Controlled studies exists but is probably so old you won't find them on the net. It's common knowledge in my opinion. Maybe someone should post some fresh studies....See MoreFoliar Feeding/Disease Control
Comments (15)Abstract "Heavy agricultural use of fertilizers has been implicated in degradation of the environmental quality of lakes, rivers and aquifers. There is also widespread public concern about the use of pesticides, including fungicides, on farms and their potential effect on our environment and food. However, it is certain that the use of fungicides as part of intensive agriculture has stabilized our food supply and permitted millions of people to live longer lives. Data from our laboratory and others have indicated that foliar sprays of phosphate and potassium salts can induce systemic protection against foliar pathogens in various crops such as cucumber, maize, rose, grapevine, apple, mango and nectarine. Expression of disease tolerance is dependent on a number of factors including use of fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, the possible dual role of NPK fertilizers in activation of the mechanism(s) which induce plant protection against pathogens was studied. Data from the application of this concept to various host-pathogen interactions are presented in the present review. A single phosphate spray of 0.1 M solution induced a systemic protection against powdery mildew in cucumber caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea and against common rust in maize caused by Puccinia sorghi, and northern leaf blight (NLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum. This systemic protection against powdery mildew in cucumber, common rust or NLB in maize was obtained on upper leaves after NPK fertilizer application on the lower leaves. In both the latter host-pathogens interactions, growth increase was also observed in maize plants as a result of one foliar spray of phosphates. In addition, it was evident throughout all the experiments that a single application of phosphates was effective in suppressing the lesions of powdery mildew on the diseased foliage of cucumber, greenhousegrown roses, field grown mango, nectarine and grapevine. This phenomenon was investigated in combination with fungicides." Here is a link that might be useful: link for above...See Moreepsom salt solution for foliar feed?
Comments (1)Lin, I have heard varying amounts, as well. After comparing different recommended amounts, I ended up both foliar-feeding and applying to the soil directly at different times. With Foliar feed, I used two tablespoons dissolved in a cup of hot water, and added to a two- gallon sprayer. On several separate occasions, I sprinkled 1-2 tablespoons directly to the top of the soil around each stalk and tuber. Every method showed better-looking leaves in about ten days. Many plants that showed virus sign ended up looking great, while a few didn't seem to improve. Those need pulled....See MoreFor those that Foliar Feed
Comments (4)As Jean said it is meant to be supplemental, so yes regular feeding is still needed. I use mostly compost tea - very diluted - every couple of weeks, sprayed early in the AM. Never spray in the heat of the day or in the direct sun to avoid leaf damage problems. If you want to read lots of discussions on foliar feeding check out the Organic gardening forum. Dave...See Moreqaguy
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