Our Guarantee
Our Mission
What is Biotech
Soil Health
Facts & Figures
Relevant Info
Soft Target
The New Landfill
Terms of Use
Environmental Issues
Pesticides in our bodies
Green World
Manure a Natural Fertilizer
Soil Analysis
Perchlorate
Lawn Pesticides
Plant DNA
Bermuda Grass
Mulch
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria
Plants Die in Autumn
Potassium Deficiency
Growing Organic Potatoes
Bio Nitrogen Fixation
Natural Surfactants
Symbiosis
Grow Organic Tomatoes
Photosynthesis & Respiration

FOLIAR APPLIED BIO BASED ORGANIC FERTILIZER
 

FOLIAR FEEDING -
Foliar feeding, using bio based, natural organic foliar fertilizer, is an effective method for correcting soil deficiencies and overcoming the soil’s inability to transfer nutrients to the plant. Tests have shown that up to 90 percent of a foliar fed nutrient solution can be found in the smallest root of a plant within 60 minutes of application. A project conducted at Michigan State University, using radio­active tagged nutrients, proved that foliar feeding can be 8 to10 times more effective than soil feeding. 

The effectiveness of bio based foliar applied nutrients is determined by (1) The condition of the leaf surface, in particular the waxy cuticle. The cuticle is only partially permeable to water and dissolved nutrients and, as a result, it can limit nutrient uptake. (2) The length of time the nutrient remains dissolved in the solution on the leaf's surface. (3) diffusion, the movement of elements from a high concentration to a low concentration. For diffusion to occur, the nutrient must dissolve. and (4) The type of formulation. Water-soluble formulations generally work better for foliar applications as they are more easily absorbed when compared to insoluble solutions.  Water insoluble formulations are generally slow acting because they must dissolve before they can be absorbed and are more applicable for soil applications.

TIMING
The best time to foliar feed is late evening to early morning. These are the times when the stomata (the small opening on the leaves) are open.

Avoid foliar spraying when –
When the temperature above 80F.
When the weather is hot and dry and water vapor is leaving the cells. 

Foliar spray –
When the temperature is 72F or below.
Early in the morning when the cells of the leaf are full of water and dew has collected on the foliage.
When air temperatures and humidity both equal 135 or less.
When air temperature is cooler than soil surface temperature. 

NOTE: A biological surfactant can reduce water tension and improve the absorption rate of bio based foliar sprays. 

Where possible, the pH of a foliar spray should be between 6.2 to 7.0. To promote young plant growth a sweeter (alkaline) solution (pH 7.0) is recommended. For established growth, a more sour (acid) solution (pH 6.2) is recommended. 

An effective foliar application can produce results in 1 to 6 days. Use a refractometer to detect results.  

NOTE: Ensure fertilizer is thoroughly mixed in water - apply in a fine mist - avoid drenching. No special equipment is required - Foliar solutions can be applied with the aid of conventional spray equipment i.e. fan sprayer, back pack sprayer, hi-boy, low or high volume ground sprayer, aerial sprayer etc. 

EcoChem foliar solutions contain nitrogen which acts as an electrolyte to carry nutrients into the plant and  phosphorus which promotes internal circulation.