Foliar Application of Fertilizer for Increasing Nutrient Use Efficiency and Crop Production

Foliar fertilization is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves. Foliar feeding has been used as a means of giving supplemental doses of major and minor nutrients, plant hormones, stimulants and other beneficial substances. Observed effects of foliar fertilization included yield increases, resistance to diseases and insect/pests, improved drought tolerance and enhanced crop quality. Plant response is dependent on species, fertilizer form, concentration and frequency of application as well as the stage of plant growth. Foliar applications are often time to coincide with specific vegetative or fruiting stages of growth.