Another productive season in agriculture, which confirms the importance of agricultural production. We are witnessing climate change, to which we must adapt. A winter without much precipitation, a dry spring, a late frost that led to the freezing of flower buds, and therefore the crop, the early appearance of pathogens and pests on cultivated crops, prompts thinking about what and how to do.
Basic fertilizing and nutrition through the roots are the basis for the growth and development of plants. In addition, the basis for good production of dry water, sunlight, oxygen, carbon dioxide and mineral elements.
The first rule in agricultural production is to do a soil analysis.
Based on the analysis, plan yields and the amount of basic fertilization for cultivated crops (arable, vegetable or fruit crops). We know that each plant has its own needs for certain nutrients, but they all have in common that nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the basis for normal growth and fruiting. In addition to these macroelements, microelements are also necessary: boron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, iron…
At the same time, you should know that in the best soil conditions, plants can absorb up to 80% of nitrogen, up to 40% of phosphorus, up to 60% of potassium and 40% of magnesium.
Unfavorable The pH value of the soil can cause nutrients to be blocked in the soil, so plants cannot absorb them. Special conditions in the soil, lack of nutrients, insufficient introduction of nutrients, can be the reasons for various deficiencies, which are manifested in plants.
The optimal soil pH value for most cultivated crops is 6.2 -7, but we must take into account that some plants require a lower soil pH, such as blueberries.
Foliar fertilization – when?
At the time when the root is still resting, foliar feeding is an opportunity for a quick effect on the primary metabolism of the plant. It is known that the root of perennial plants, during the dormant period of the vegetation, “feeds itself” until the soil temperature reaches a certain value. At the beginning of the growing season, the above-ground parts of the plants (stem, leaf and flower buds) provoked by an increase in air temperature and a greater number of sunlight hours, begin to grow, using the deposited organic matter from the tree.
This is the first moment, when the first leaflets appear and the flower buds begin to open, when foliar feeding is necessary.
Another important moment is during the time of intense vegetation, when the plant has increased needs for macro and micro nutrients.
And the last, no less important moment of foliar feeding is after harvest ( post harvest treatments) for depositing microelements in plant tissue and differentiation of flower buds for the following year.
Benefits of foliar feeding
Fast action on the primary metabolism of the plant in stressful conditions in particular.
An easier way of feeding plants, but it cannot replace the intake of nutrients through the root system. It is very important for the intake of microelements.
It helps in stressful weather situations and sensitive phenophases of growth and development.
It is applied quickly and easily in all vegetative phenophases, nutrients are absorbed faster by the plant.
It directly affects the quality, color and transportability of the fruits.
Proper foliar nutrition
Proper foliar feeding is influenced by several factors that must be taken into account in order to be as successful as possible.
Humidity is very important.
Temperature, air flow and solar radiation.
That’s why we perform foliar feeding treatments in the afternoon, when the leaves are dry, the stomata are maximally open (very important for good absorption of nutrients), and solar radiation and air flow are in decline.
The pH and EC of the solution used in foliar feeding, the size of the solution droplets, due to its adhesion to the leaf surface, are very important.
Foliar feeding can be applied with pesticides in regular protection or independently.
Fitofert fertilizers contain a large range of foliar products, and from this year there are also three new foliar products:
FitoFert MAGNI-CAL-B new formulation with magnesium, calcium and boron. It also contains osmoprotectants and betaines. It is used from the initial phenophases until the beginning of fruit pigmentation in vegetable and fruit growing.
FitoFert K-KOMPLEX Organically bound potassium, highly absorptive, soluble in all ratios and compatible with all fertilizers. Promotes pigmentation and ripening of fruits.
FitoFert QUATRO Contains a high amount of potassium in synergy with several inorganic and organic anions (phosphite, silicate and acetate). It affects vitality, strengthening of cell walls and numerous biochemical processes. It belongs to the group of SAR products – they induce systemic resistance of plants to various pathogens.
Master Eng. Agriculture Bojana Stanković
Expert plant nutrition service of the Agromarket company