Foliar feeding is a widely practiced technique used to supplement nutrients for fruit trees. It is often combined with base fertilization and offers several advantages, such as saving labor, reducing fertilizer waste, enabling quick nutrient absorption, being cost-effective, and allowing for flexible application methods. As a result, it has gained popularity among farmers. However, the effectiveness of foliar feeding depends on several factors, including the type of fertilizer used, its concentration, timing, and the spraying method. To ensure optimal results, the following points should be carefully considered:
First, foliar feeding should only serve as a supplementary method to meet the urgent nutritional needs of fruit trees during specific growth stages. It should not replace soil fertilization, which provides a more balanced and long-term nutrient supply.
Second, foliar feeding should be carried out during critical growth periods when the tree’s nutrient demand is high. For example, during the new shoot growth phase, which marks the transition from stored nutrients to active growth, applying urea can stimulate new shoot development. During the flower bud differentiation and fruit enlargement stage, there is a significant conflict between nutrient supply and demand due to multiple organs growing simultaneously. Applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate or leaching plant ash at this time helps improve flower bud formation, fruit size, and overall quality. After harvesting, leaves begin to age, and spraying urea can enhance photosynthesis and improve the tree's nutrient reserves.
Third, the concentration of foliar fertilizers is usually low, meaning that each application delivers a small amount of nutrients. Therefore, multiple applications—typically 2 to 3 times—are often needed for best results.
Fourth, it is best to spray in the early morning after 10 AM or in the late afternoon before 4 PM, or on cloudy days. This helps avoid the loss of fertilizer efficiency due to high-temperature evaporation or leaf burn caused by concentrated solutions. The spraying should be completed within 12 hours to ensure maximum absorption.
Fifth, when spraying, attention should be given to both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. This is because stomata, which are the primary sites for nutrient absorption, are more numerous on the underside of the leaves, leading to faster uptake. Therefore, thorough coverage is essential.
Lastly, foliar fertilizers can be applied alongside pesticide sprays, but care must be taken not to mix acidic and alkaline substances, as this may reduce effectiveness or cause damage to the plants. Always check compatibility before mixing.
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