Foliar Fertilizer Do’s and Don’ts
Posted on June 13, 2023
Early foliar applications can make an already good crop better, either by stimulating more vigorous regrowth or by increasing the yield potential. Follow these Dos and Don’ts when applying foliar liquid fertilizers in your field.
- DO follow all label instructions and application guidelines. Different foliars have different instructions and application rates, so it is always a good idea to read the label and safety information BEFORE applying a product. Even if you are familiar with the product, be sure to read the label and ensure that application rates or information didn't change.
- DO obtain an accurate plant tissue sample in order to maximize benefits. Contact your territory manager or agronomist for guidance on the best way to obtain a sample and how to have it analyzed.
- DO clean application equipment thoroughly before spraying. This will allow for the best application of the product without any unintentional product mixing, which may be dangerous to plant, human, or even soil health.
- DO adjust boom height above plant canopy for uniform spray pattern. By doing this, you will have the most efficient applications of the product in the field and help reduce the risk of product drift.
- DO make sure all hoses, pumps, or pipelines are thoroughly drained of any other plant food or pesticide products and flushed with water before use. Again, this will help prevent any unintentional product mixing and allow for accurate fertilizer applications.
- DO flush residual amounts of fertilizer solution from aluminum equipment with water after use to avoid possible pitting of equipment from prolonged exposure. Some products can damage equipment and this will prevent costly repairs in the future from improper product handling.
- DON’T foliar spray during hot, dry mid-day temperatures. This can lead to product drift, which can damage neighboring fields and lead to fines or insurance claims from damaged crops.
- DON’T foliar spray under windy conditions if drift into adjacent fields is a factor.
- DON’T think roots are the ONLY source of nutrient uptake. Sometimes roots cannot provide the full amount of nutrients your crop deserves. Foliar applications may be beneficial when crops are in need of an extra “kick” during the yield-determining stages.
- DON’T make more trips across the field than needed, since this can cause damage to crops and affect crop yield. Our line of PureGrade liquid foliars are compatible with many herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, allowing for a convenient application of all crop protection and nutrient products. Jar tests are recommended to ensure product mixing before adding them as part of a tax mix. Contact your agronomist with any product mixing questions.
- DON’T leave remaining fertilizer in the tank over winter. Transfer it to a holding tank to avoid possible harm to equipment.
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