Foliar fertilizers: deficiencies guide, in depth analysis of their components and their use

Introduction

In this technical report foliar NPK fertilizers are covered in depth and their uses, applications and benefits from its application in crops. It has been analyzed carefully and individually each of the major elements (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium), their function in the plants as well as their deficiency symptomatology.

Within this document is a summary of the vast quantity present in the FOLIARTAL range products. In this product line we find NPK with different proportions of NPK that suites the changing necessities of your crop, depending on the phenological state in which they are.

Foliar Fertilizers NPK: properties and benefits

FOLIARTAL fertilizers are liquid NPK fertilizers, fast absorbed by the plants.

They contain NPK in different concentrations depending on the traits of the plant you want to improve.

Also they contain Microelements to improve crops quality.

NITROGEN (N)

Nitrogen, together with Potassium, is the element that plants absorb the most.

It is an essential element used by the plants to produce amino acids and DNA, and are part of the chlorophyll molecule, key of the photosynthesis.

Nitrogen major roles are:

• Forming part of the amino acid structure, which constitutes proteins.
• Forming part of the chlorophyll molecule, key for photosynthesis and the green color of the plants.
• Being a structural element of the DNA.
• Increasing the quantity of sugars in the fruit.
• Stimulating the plant growth.

Nitrogen deficiency (N)

SYMPTOMS

• It first appears on the oldest leaves, normally the lower ones.
• Pale green turning to yellow leaves can be seen ⇒ CHLOROSIS.
• Red colors may be seen on the leaves underside.
• Short and slender stems.
• Plant growth is reduced or even stopped.
• Plant shows a yellow general aspect.

 

PHOSPHORUS (P)

Phosphorus is the main element of the energy molecules.

It is an essential element used by the plants to produce ATP and NADPH.

It is an essential element used by the plants to produce ATP and NADPH.ATP, Adenosine Tri Phosphate, is the metabolic coin and almost every metabolic reaction is produced by the energy given by it.

As key part of the NADPH and ATP, Phosphorus roles involve, among others:

• Transport of nutrients and hormones.
• Root absorption of elements like Fe.
• Cell division and plant growth.
• Fruit formation and development.

Phosphorous deficiency

SYMPTOMS

• The plant turns dark green.
• Lower leaves with yellow colors, turning green as they dry.
• Less radicular development, blossoming and fruit set.
• Presence of purple colors on the leaves.
• Short and slender stems.
• Number of sprouts and fruit diminishes drastically.

 

POTASSIUM (K)

Potassium is the element that plants need in larger quantities.

Potassium role in the plant is to activate enzymes that have major roles on the metabolism.

Its activity is essential for the plant general development and growth.

This element activates and regulates enzymes and processes like photosynthesis, stomatic aperture, protein synthesis, nutrient and water transport, fruit fattening…

A stoma is a hole in the epidermis of the leaves, used by the plant to exchange gases with the atmosphere. It can be opened or closed depending of the temperature.

If the temperature is high, the water inside the plant evaporates.	If the temperature is low, the water doesn’t evaporate.

Having low K, the stomata would be always opened, leading the plant to a hydric crisis, terrible for its development.

Potassium roles involve:

• Activates many enzyme systems.
• Maintains turgor, reducing water loss.
• Reduces respiration, preventing energy losses.
• Enhances transportation of sugars and starch to the fruit.
• Produces fruit rich in starch, since starch synthase is activated by K.
• Strengths cell wall.
• Helps retard crop diseases.

Potassium deficiency (K)

SYMPTOMS

• Spotted chlorosis on the old leaves, later outspreaded to the younger ones.
• Black, necrotic areas are produced in nerves or in apex.
• Growth is delayed.
• Weakening of the stems.
• Low resistance to pathogens.
• Small fruits.

SUMMARY

Foliar Fertilizers Artal range FOLIARTAL

FOLIARTAL products have different proportions of N – P- K to favor the specific requirements your crop needs.

• FOLIARTAL 17-7-6 + Micro.
• FOLIARTAL 9-27-9 + Micro.
• FOLIARTAL 10-5-12 + Micro.
• FOLIARTAL 13-13-13 + Micro

FOLIARTAL products are recommended for all kinds of crops: Fruit trees, vegetables, extensive and ornamental crops.

FOLIARTAL 17-7-6 + MICRO

Foliar NPK rich in Nitrogen.

Also contains Magnesium and Microelements for the crop.

Indicated to enhance the first stages of crops development.

Apply when the Nitrogen needs of your crop are high:

• Sprouting.
• Leaves and branches formation.
• Stress periods.

CROP	FOLIAR APPLICATION cc/ 100L	APPLICATIONS / FREQUENCY
Fruit vegetables	150-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications since transplant
Leaf vegetables	150-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications since transplant
Fruit trees	200-350 cc/100 l	2-3 applications when sprouting, preblooming and petal fall
Extensive & Ornamentals	150-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications
Fertirrigation	—	Apply 5-6 l/hectare per application

FOLIARTAL 17-7-6 + MICRO is compatible with most of the available fertilizers and phytosanitary products, even though it is advisable to perform a previous test.
Do not mix with mineral oils or alkaline reaction products.

FOLIARTAL 17-7-6 + MICRO Guaranteed Contents
Density: 1,27 gr/cc
pH (20ºC): 1,8

ELEMENT	GUARANTEED CONTENTS
Total Nitrogen (N) Ureic	14,0% w/w = 17,86% w/v
Phosphoric Anhydride (P2O5)	6,0% w/w = 7,66% w/v
Potassium Oxide (K2O)	5,0% w/w = 6,38% w/v
Water-soluble Boron (B)	0,02% w/w = 0,025% w/v
Water-soluble Cupper (Cu)	0,05% w/w = 0,063% w/v
Water-soluble Iron (Fe)	0,1% w/w = 0,127 w/v
Water-soluble Manganese (Mn)	0,06% w/w = 0,076% w/v
Water-soluble Molybdenum (Mo)	0,002% w/w = 0,0025% w/v
Water-soluble Zinc (Zn)	0,05% w/w = 0,063% w/v
Chelating agent	HEEDTA

FOLIARTAL 9-27-9 + MICRO

Foliar NPK with high concentration of Phosphorus.

Also contains Microelements like Copper, Iron or Boron.

Enhances the fruit formation of your crop.

Apply when the Phosphorus needs of your crop are high:

• Pre blooming
• Blooming
• Fruit formation

High availability of Phosphorus will lead to an accelerated metabolism, and the fruit formation and setting will occur quicker.

CROP	FOLIAR APPLICATION cc/ 100L	APPLICATIONS / FREQUENCY
Fruit vegetables	250-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications since transplant
Leaf vegetables	250-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications since transplant
Fruit trees	250-500 cc/100 l	2-3 applications when sprouting, pre-blooming and fruit formation
Extensive & Ornamentals	200-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications
Fertirrigation	—	Apply 5-6 l/ha and application
Invernadero	250-300 cc/100 L	2-3 aplicaciones desde el trasplante

FOLIARTAL 9-27-9 + MICRO is compatible with most of the available fertilizers and phytosanitary products, even though it is advisable to perform a previous test.
Do not mix with mineral oils or alkaline reaction products.

FOLIARTAL 9-27-9 + MICRO Guaranteed Contents
Density: 1,32 gr/cc
pH (20ºC): 6,5

ELEMENT	GUARENTEDD CONTENTS
Total Nitrogen (N) Ureic	7,0% w/w = 9,29% w/v
Phosphoric Anhydride (P2O5)	21,0% w/w = 27,86% w/v
Potassium Oxide (K2O)	7,0% w/w = 9,29% w/v
Water-soluble Boron (B)	0,02% w/w = 0,03% w/v
Water-soluble Cupper (Cu)	0,05% w/w = 0,06% w/v
Water-soluble Iron (Fe)	0,05% w/w = 0,07% w/v
Water-soluble Manganese (Mn)	0,05% w/w = 0,07% w/v
Water-soluble Molybdenum (Mo)	0,0025% w/w = 0,0033% w/v
Chelating agent	HEEDTA

FOLIARTAL 10-5-12 + MICRO

Foliar NPK rich in Potassium and Nitrogen.

Also contains Microelements like Copper, Iron or Boron.

Indicated to increase the quality of the fruit.

Apply when Nitrogen and Potassium needs are high:

• Vegetative growth
• Fruit fattening
• Hydric stress periods

CROP	FOLIAR APPLICATION cc/ 100L	APPLICATIONS / FREQUENCY
Fruit vegetables	250-300 cc/100 L	2-3 applications when fattening and ripening
Leaf vegetables	250-300 cc/100 L	2-3 applications when fattening and ripening
Fruit trees	250-500 cc/100 L	2-3 applications when fruit formation, fattening and ripening
Extensive & Ornamentals	200-300 cc/100 L	2-3 applications
Fertirrigación	—	Apply 5-6 l/ha and application

FOLIARTAL 10-5-12 + MICRO is compatible with most of the available fertilizers and phytosanitary products, even though it is advisable to perform a previous test.
Do not mix with mineral oils or alkaline reaction products.

FOLIARTAL 10-5-12 + MICRO Guaranteed Contents
Density: 1,22 gr/cc
pH (20ºC): 1,9

ELEMENT	GUARANTEED CONTENTS
Total Nitrogen (N) Ureic	8,0% w/w = 9,76% w/v
Phosphoric Anhydride (P2O5)	4,0% w/w = 4,88% w/v
Potassium Oxide (K2O)	10,0% w/w = 12,20% w/v
Water-soluble Boron (B)	0,02% w/w = 0,026% w/v
Water-soluble Cupper (Cu)	0,05% w/w = 0,06% w/v
Water-soluble Iron (Fe)	0,05% w/w = 0,06% w/v
Water-soluble Manganese (Mn)	0,05% w/w = 0,06% w/v
Water-soluble Molybdenum (Mo)	0,0025% w/w = 0,003% w/v
Chelating agent	HEEDTA

FOLIARTAL 13-13-13 + MICRO

Foliar NPK with a balanced proportions of these three elements.

Also contains Microelements like Copper, Iron or Boron.

Can be used by foliar or root application.

Apply when all elements are required:

• General growth of the plant.
• Increasing of resistance to diseases.

CROP	FOLIAR APPLICATION cc/ 100L	APPLICATIONS / FREQUENCY
Fruit vegetables	250-400 cc/100 l	2-3 applications from transplanting
Leaf vegetables	250-400 cc/100 l	2-3 applications from transplanting
Fruit trees	250-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications when fruit formation, fattening and ripening
Extensive & Ornamentals	150-300 cc/100 l	2-3 applications
Fertirrigación	—	Apply 5-6 l/ha and application

FOLIARTAL 13-13-13 + MICRO is compatible with most of the available fertilizers and phytosanitary products, even though it is advisable to perform a previous test.
Do not mix with mineral oils or alkaline reaction products.

FOLIARTAL 13-13-13 + MICRO Guaranteed contents
Density: 1,22 gr/cc
pH (20ºC): 1,9

ELEMENT	GUARANTEDD CONTENTS
Total Nitrogen (N) Ureic	10,2% w/w = 13,0% w/v
Phosphoric Anhydride (P2O5)	10,2% w/w = 13,0% w/v
Potassium Oxide (K2O)	10,2% w/w = 13,0% w/v
Water-soluble Boron (B)	0,02% w/w = 0,026% w/v
Water-soluble Cupper (Cu)	0,05% w/w = 0,066% w/v
Water-soluble Iron (Fe)	0,05% w/w = 0,066% w/v
Water-soluble Manganese (Mn)	0,05% w/w = 0,066% w/v
Water-soluble Molybdenum (Mo)	0,002% w/w = 0,0026% w/v
Water-soluble Zinc (Zn)	0,01% w/w = 0,013% w/v