Organic foliar fertilizers are a great way to provide plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. These fertilizers are applied directly to the leaves of plants, rather than being added to the soil. This method of fertilization has several advantages over traditional soil-based methods, making it a popular choice for many gardeners and farmers.

Advantages

Availability to crops

One of the biggest advantages of using organic foliar fertilizers is that they are immediately available to the plant. When fertilizers are applied to the soil, they must first be broken down by microorganisms before the plant can use them. This can take several days or even weeks, during which time the plant may suffer from nutrient deficiencies. With foliar fertilization, the nutrients are immediately available to the plant, which can help to ensure that it stays healthy and productive.

Nutrient specific

Another advantage of organic foliar fertilizers is that they can be used to target specific nutrients that a plant may be lacking. For example, if a plant is showing signs of nitrogen deficiency, an organic foliar fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can be applied directly to the leaves. This can help to quickly correct the deficiency and prevent further damage to the plant.

Reduce susceptibility to diseases

Organic foliar fertilizers are also a great choice for plants that are sensitive to soil-borne pathogens. Many soil-based fertilizers can harbor pathogens that can harm plants, especially those that are already under stress. With foliar fertilization, the fertilizer is applied directly to the leaves, which can help to protect the plant from pathogens that may be present in the soil.

Types of Organic Foliar Fertilizers

There are many different types of organic foliar fertilizers available, each of which contains a different combination of essential nutrients. Some popular options include;

• Fish emulsion
• Seaweed extract
• Kelp meal
• Bacteria based foliar
• Fungi based foliar

Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from whole fish or fish parts, and is a great source of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

Seaweed extract is also a liquid fertilizer that is made from seaweed and is a good source of micronutrients such as iron and zinc.

Kelp meal is a dry fertilizer that is made from dried kelp and is an excellent source of potassium, as well as other essential micronutrients.

When using organic foliar fertilizers, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Most fertilizers should be applied at a rate of 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of water and should be applied to the leaves in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense.

This can help to prevent leaf burn, which can occur if the fertilizer is applied during the hottest part of the day.

It is also important to note that foliar fertilization should not be used as a substitute for soil-based fertilization. Soil-based fertilization is still necessary to provide plants with the long-term nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

Foliar fertilization should be used in addition to soil-based fertilization, to provide plants with the additional nutrients they need to stay healthy and productive.

Organic foliar fertilizers are a great choice for providing plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. They are immediately available to the plant, can be used to target specific nutrient deficiencies, and can help to protect plants from soil-borne pathogens.

When using organic foliar fertilizers, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and to use them in addition to soil-based fertilization.

With proper use, organic foliar fertilizers can help to ensure that your plants stay healthy and productive for many years to come.

Happy Gardening!