Foliar Application of Fertilizers

Abstract

Plants require 16 nutrients for their growth and development. Three of these, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, are obtained from the atmosphere and from soil water. If proper conditions of aeration and moisture are maintained in the soil, there is no problem with these three nutrients. However, if any of the other 13 elements, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, or chlorine, are deficient, they must be applied for the plants' use. These nutrients may be applied to the soil or they may be applied to the foliage of the plants. When applied to the foliage they are known as foliar sprays.