Foliar fertilizers deliver plant nutrients directly to leaves, providing a targeted way to supplement crop nutrition and address nutrient deficiencies. They are especially useful when nutrient uptake through the roots is limited by crop conditions, soil conditions, or plant growth stage.
What are foliar fertilizers?
Foliar fertilizers are fertilizer products applied to plant leaves as a liquid spray. Unlike soil-applied fertilizers, which depend on root uptake, foliar nutrition places nutrients directly onto the leaf surface, where they can be absorbed by the plant.
Foliar fertilization is generally used as a supplement to soil-based nutrition, rather than as a complete replacement for root nutrition. It can be particularly valuable when crops need a targeted nutrient supply during a specific growth stage or when conditions reduce nutrient availability through the soil.
How does foliar fertilization work?
The effectiveness of foliar fertilization depends on the interaction between the fertilizer formulation, the leaf surface, the environment, and plant physiology.
For successful foliar uptake:
- Nutrients need to be sufficiently soluble so they can dissolve on the leaf surface.
- Formulation properties such as molecular size, charge, and deliquescence can affect absorption.
- Adjuvants and other formulation technologies can improve spreading, retention, and nutrient uptake.
- Application timing and environmental conditions can influence performance.
The leaf cuticle can limit nutrient penetration, which is why fertilizer formulation is an important part of foliar nutrition. ICL research highlights the importance of nutrient solubility and formulation in supporting effective foliar uptake.
When should growers use foliar fertilizers?
Foliar fertilizers can be useful when crops require a targeted nutrient application or when root nutrient uptake is less effective.
Typical situations include:
- Correcting identified nutrient deficiencies during crop development
- Supplementing base fertilization when crop demand increases
- Supporting nutrition during periods of environmental stress
- Targeting specific growth stages when particular nutrients are required
- Supporting crops when soil conditions limit nutrient availability
Conditions such as cold or warm soils and high soil pH can affect root nutrient uptake. In these situations, foliar nutrition can provide an additional route for supplying nutrients to the crop.
Which nutrients can be applied as foliar fertilizer?
Foliar fertilizer formulations can contain different combinations of macronutrients, secondary nutrients, and micronutrients.
Common nutrients used in foliar nutrition include:
| Nutrient group | Examples | Role in crop nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Macronutrients | Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) | Support growth, development, and plant metabolism |
| Secondary nutrients | Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S) | Support cell structure, chlorophyll formation, and plant processes |
| Micronutrients | Manganese (Mn), boron (B), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) | Support specific metabolic and physiological functions |
The most suitable nutrient and formulation depend on the crop, growth stage, deficiency status, environmental conditions, and overall nutrition program.
Foliar fertilizers and soil fertilization: what is the difference?
Foliar and soil fertilization serve different purposes and can work together within an integrated crop nutrition program.
| Foliar fertilization | Soil fertilization |
|---|---|
| Applies nutrients directly to leaves | Applies nutrients to the soil or root zone |
| Provides targeted supplementation | Supports the main nutrient supply |
| Useful for specific growth stages or deficiencies | Supports longer-term crop nutrient requirements |
| Can help when root uptake is temporarily limited | Relies on roots to access available nutrients |
A balanced nutrition program considers both the crop’s root environment and its above-ground nutrient requirements.
How do you choose a foliar fertilizer?
The right foliar fertilizer depends on more than the nutrient listed on the label. Consider:
- Crop and growth stage – nutrient demand changes during crop development.
- Nutrient requirement – base the application on crop needs, deficiency diagnosis, and the existing nutrition program.
- Formulation quality – solubility, nutrient source, and formulation technology influence foliar uptake.
- Application conditions – follow the product label and consider environmental and crop conditions.
- Compatibility – check compatibility when combining foliar fertilizers with crop protection products or other inputs.
ICL foliar fertilizer solutions
ICL develops foliar nutrition solutions for agricultural and horticultural crops, with formulations designed around different nutrient requirements, application methods, and crop needs. The portfolio includes Agroleaf, Agroleaf Liquid, AGRIMOBI, FertiBuzz, and Nutrivant, alongside other specialized solutions.
Agroleaf provides a portfolio of foliar nutrition products for open-field, horticultural, and fruit crops, including solutions for targeted nutrient supply and rapid uptake.
Agroleaf Liquid is a liquid foliar fertilizer range developed for arable, vegetable, and fruit crops, with formulations designed for practical application and nutrient delivery.
FertiBuzz is designed for low-volume and ultra-low-volume foliar applications, including precision application by agricultural aircraft and drones.
Explore ICL’s foliar fertilizer technology and agronomic approach and Agroleaf foliar nutrition solutions.
The role of foliar fertilizers in modern crop nutrition
Foliar fertilizers give growers another way to manage nutrient supply during the crop cycle. Their greatest value comes from using them as part of a wider nutrition program that considers soil conditions, root activity, crop demand, growth stage, formulation, and application conditions.
For practical guidance, explore ICL’s foliar fertilization resources and crop-specific nutrition information.
9 Brands found
Liquid fertilizers with high concentrations of nutrients in suspension.
AGRIMOBI is ICL's range of concentrated liquid suspensions with the highest nutrient content.
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Give your crops everything they need to flourish
The leading foliar products packed with nutrients.
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The liquid fertilizer providing pinpoint precision in foliar feeding
Agroleaf Liquid is our new liquid fertilizer range for foliar application across arable, all vegetables, and all fruits.
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Boost your crop productivity to maximize your performance
The fully water-soluble foliar feed giving you stronger and better plants.
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Elevate your crops with ICL BEOZ®
ICL BEOZ® is our new range of biostimulants for Europe, specially engineered to boost your crops. The BEOZ collection of pioneering, novel biostimulants is designed to ensure crops reach their full potential by improving establishment; promoting growth; increasing flowering and fruit setting; enhancing tolerance to, and recovery from, stress and much more. Incorporating the Power of Synergistic Formulations Within the BEOZ biostimulant portfolio, we have products that utilize the power of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed combined with amino acids to promote crop vitality and resilience by enhancing crop growth, increasing crop production, and combating abiotic stress. Within the BEOZ biostimulant portfolio, we utilize the power of many consolidated biostimulants and innovative and exclusive molecules. Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed, amino acids, polyols, fulvic and humic acids, microbial metabolites, and microorganisms are some of the top materials we use to promote crop vitality and resilience by enhancing crop growth, combating abiotic stress and ultimately increasing crop production. Boosting Stress Resistance Combatting environmental stress is important. Whether it be heat, drought, or salinity, our biostimulants activate plant metabolic pathways to give crops the tools they need to resist the effects of stress and to help them quickly recover from stress conditions. This ensures sustained growth and productivity in challenging conditions. Resolving Nutrient Use Efficiency Poor nutrient use efficiency can impact crop growth, yield and profitability. Within the BEOZ portfolio are biostimulants that keep crop growth on track by improving plants’ ability to take up and utilize the nutrients that are present in the soil. This is fundamental to recover investments made in fertilizer and move towards a more sustainable crop management. Increasing Nutrient Flow within Crops One of the other key functions our BEOZ biostimulants can bestow upon crops is to increase the flow of sap and nutrients between growing organs. By improving this movement in a balanced and efficient way, crops can get the nutrients where they are needed, to and from roots, leaves, and ultimately to fruit and grains to optimize crop growth and yield. The Power of BEOZ Biostimulants from ICL By unleashing the true potential of crops, BEOZ biostimulants improve nutrient uptake, enhance crop performance under stress conditions, and give your crops the boost they need to improve vitality and resilience. Explore our BEOZ biostimulants to discover their power to enhance crops, whether that be fruit, trees, nuts, vegetables, or cereals. By improving nutrient uptake and transport, improving crop resistance to stresses, stimulating root and vegetative growth, and improving flowering and fruit production, you are sure to reap the rewards of ICL BEOZ biostimulants.
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Unlock the potential of your crops with Bioz®
ICL Bioz® brings together our innovative, cutting-edge biostimulant products designed to unlock the full potential of your crops. Bioz® brings you a range of innovative biostimulant products meticulously developed to enhance crop yields. Our solutions are specifically designed to improve various aspects of crop growth and performance, ensuring you achieve optimum productivity. Seed Treatments for Superior Establishment Our advanced Bioz® seed treatments are engineered to improve crop establishment and performance right from the start. By providing essential nutrients and stimulating growth, our seed treatments lay the foundation for robust and thriving crops. Boosting Flowering, Fruit, and Seed Setting With Bioz®, you have access to powerful products that optimize flowering, fruit, and seed setting. Our biostimulants have been carefully formulated to enhance these critical stages of plant development, resulting in improved crop quality, yield, and market value. Stress Tolerance and Rapid Recovery The impact on yield from periods of stress can be significant. That’s why we offer specialized products that boost crops’ tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Our biostimulants help plants adapt and overcome challenges such as heat, drought, and salinity, enabling them to thrive in adverse conditions. Additionally, our solutions promote rapid recovery from stress periods, ensuring your crops regain their vitality swiftly. Tailored Solutions for Every Crop The specific needs of different crops varies, which is why our biostimulants are tailored to meet the specific needs of various crops. Whether you’re growing cereals, annual or perennial fruit crops, vegetables, beans, or soybeans, we have the perfect biostimulant to help your crops reach their full yield potential. *Bioz is a registered trademark of ICL Europe Cooperative UA
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Fertilizers for Precision Drone Application
FertiBuzz is ICL’s dedicated plant nutrition brand, designed to capitalize on the unique advantages of aerial plant nutrition application. FertiBuzz is a low-salt index, high-analysis water-soluble fertilizer that is suitable for low volume and ultra-low volume applications, making it the perfect fertilizer for foliar application by agricultural aircraft and drones. Drones are becoming increasingly common in agriculture. They are versatile, energy efficient, and offer targeted fertilizer application. The highly concentrated FertiBuzz plant nutrition solution helps extend coverage and flight times, improving efficiency, while the targeted application can reduce overall application rates, avoiding over-use and thereby improving sustainability. Maximize the advantages of agricultural drones with ICL’s FertiBuzz fertilizer.
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Nutrivant delivers advanced technology for improved, long lasting foliar nutrition.
Our Nutrivant foliar nutrition formulations are designed for arable and largescale crops. The Nutrivant range consists of fully-soluble formulations that contain a macro and micro-nutrient mix and a special Trace Element mix designed for every crops’ needs. The efficiency of many foliar feeds can be impaired by the leaf cuticle, a tough membrane that blocks or slows the penetration of nutritional elements. To counter this, ICL Nutrivant products contain FertiVant, our advanced environmentally-friendly adjuvant that helps breaks through this barrier, and improves the efficiency of Nutrivant. FertiVant technology improves the spreading of the nutrients over the leaf surface ensuring the uptake of applied nutrients for over 3 weeks, and resulting in dramatic increases in crop yield, quality, and grower profits.
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