What is Foliar Fertilizer?

24 Ocak 2026 Çağla Altıntaş 1 görüntülenme
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What is Foliar Fertilizer?

Foliar fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that contains plant nutrients in liquid form and is applied directly to plant leaves. These fertilizers are applied by spraying onto leaves in the form of a solution. This method, which is particularly suitable for fertilizers containing microelements, is a method called foliar feeding. It is a common problem that microelements applied to the soil lose their effectiveness if the soil pH level is high. In this case, foliar applications can quickly solve microelement deficiencies. Foliar fertilizers are not an alternative to basic fertilizers. Instead, they are used as an additional fertilization method to address some nutrient deficiencies that occur in plants throughout the year. Additionally, foliar fertilizers can increase nutrient uptake from the soil by encouraging plants to take in more water. Research shows that when foliar fertilization is applied in addition to soil fertilizers, a yield increase of between 12% and 25% is achieved in products. 

What Does Foliar Fertilizer Do?

Foliar fertilizer is an effective method used to accelerate the growth and development of plants. This fertilizer is generally found in liquid form and applied by spraying onto plant leaves. There are various benefits offered by foliar fertilizer:

  • Provides rapid nourishment of plants. Nutrients taken directly from the leaves are absorbed by the plant faster compared to those taken from the soil.
  • Contains the essential nutrients required by plants in a balanced way. This helps plants show healthy growth and development.
  • Ensures effective intake of especially micronutrients (for example, iron, zinc, copper).
  • Provides additional support during periods when plants are under stress. It increases the resistance of plants in stressful situations such as drought, disease, or combating harmful organisms.
  • When used regularly, it encourages plant growth and increases fruit yield. Additionally, it improves the quality of fruits and allows you to obtain tastier products.

Foliar fertilizer is used together with soil fertilization to ensure that plants are nourished in a healthy and balanced way. This offers a healthier and more productive plant growing process.

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What are the Types of Foliar Fertilizer?

Foliar fertilizers come in three different forms offered to the preference of users. These are; liquid, powder, and concentrate forms. This diversity offers suitable options according to the needs and preferences of users. The content of foliar fertilizers is generally quite rich and contains many nutrients necessary for the growth and development of plants. Among these fertilizers, especially wheat foliar fertilizers, varieties containing high amounts of calcium nitrate, have become a common choice among users. Calcium nitrate is known as an important nutrient for the healthy growth and development of plants and is used to increase the productivity of grains such as wheat. For this reason, these types of foliar fertilizers are widely used in agricultural production.

When is Foliar Fertilizer Used?

Although these fertilizers are generally used together with fertilizers applied from the soil, they can also be used alone in certain situations. In some cases, there may be conditions unsuitable for soil fertilizer application. For example, if the irrigation period has ended or sufficient rain has not fallen, the effect of soil fertilizer may decrease. In this case, foliar fertilizer may be preferred. Foliar fertilizer is rapidly absorbed from the leaves of plants and shows its effect immediately. Especially to provide nutrients that plants need urgently, foliar fertilizer can be preferred. During these periods, the nutrient needs of plants increase and foliar fertilizer supports the flowering process of plants, allowing them to form more fruit. The application time of foliar fertilizer is determined depending on the development and needs of the plants. Generally, foliar fertilizer application during the flowering period can be more effective. Applying foliar fertilizer in the early morning or late evening hours is recommended. Since the stomata on the leaves of plants are open during these time intervals, fertilizers are better absorbed. Using foliar fertilizer at the right times and under appropriate conditions ensures the healthy growth of plants and their productive yielding of products.

foliar-fertilizer

How to Use Foliar Fertilizer?

Foliar fertilizers are applied by spraying onto plant or tree leaves. Generally, pulverizers or agricultural tools are used. It is recommended to use it by diluting with water before application. It should be applied in the early morning or evening hours. Since the leaves are dewy in the morning hours, it is the time when nutrients are best absorbed. Application should not be made in the middle of the day. Because it can harm the plant. During application, rainless and windless weather should be preferred. The fertilizer mixture should be applied in a way that wets all leaves, and the underside of the leaves should not be forgotten. Applications should be repeated every 15 days or 2-3 times according to plant development periods. It should be used in the ratios specified on the packaging and excessive use should be avoided. If foliar fertilizer and pesticides are to be used together, first fertilizer and then pesticide should be added to the fertilizer tank. Personal protective equipment should be used while mixing or applying fertilizer.

On Which Plants is Foliar Fertilizer Used?

Broad-leaved plants benefit more from foliar fertilizer because the large surface area of the leaves allows them to absorb nutrients more effectively. For this reason, it is preferred to apply more foliar fertilizer to plants such as fruit trees, ornamental plants, vegetables, and row crops with broad leaves. The leaves of these plants provide more area to absorb nutrients, and this is important for the healthy growth of the plant and its productive production of fruits, flowers, or leaves. Therefore, broad-leaved plants receiving foliar fertilizer helps them better meet the nutrients the plants need.

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How Much Liquid Foliar Fertilizer is Applied per Decare?

The amount of foliar fertilizer to be applied is not calculated as how much is applied per decare. Recommended amounts for foliar fertilizer application are generally calculated based on 100 liters of water. However, the amount of fertilizer should be adjusted according to the size of the area to be applied and the amount of fertilizer should be prepared according to the capacity of the spraying tank. In the suggestions below, the amounts of fertilizer to be mixed into 100 liters of water are given. The application can be made by choosing one of the two suggestions given below:

  • Mix 2.5 kg of Potassium Nitrate, 250 g of Urea (or 1 kg of Low Biuret Urea), and 100 g of zinc EDTA (or Zinc Sulfate) into 100 liters of water and spray onto the plant.
  • Mix 1.5 kg of potassium nitrate, 0.5 kg of TOROSOL or MAXITOR 18.18.18 + TE or TOROSOL 20.20.20 + TE and 250 g of Urea (or 1 kg of Low Biuret Urea) into 100 liters of water and spray onto the plant.

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