Foliar Fertilizers

ICL Growing Solutions research, development and innovation team have developed some of the world’s leading foliar innovations, focused on both prevention and curative solutions.  

What is foliar fertilizer?

Foliar fertilizer technology is a unique, dynamic and effective method of crop nutrition that feeds plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to the leaves (foliage) to improve health and fertility and correct deficiencies.  Foliar fertilizers are becoming increasingly popular in US industrial agriculture partly due to advancements in precision agriculture, which allows for targeted nutrient application. The growing popularity also reflects a shift towards more targeted, efficient, and environmentally friendly nutrient management practices to optimize crop production. Foliar applications offer flexibility, precision, and effectiveness, often with reduced environmental impact. Applied directly to the leaves, foliar fertilizers serve as supplements to soil-based fertilizers, correcting nutrient deficiencies quickly and efficiently. Foliar applications of nutrients are particularly useful for delivering micronutrients and managing abiotic stress in key crops such as corn, soybeans, almonds, potatoes, citrus and tree fruits. By integrating foliar applications into overall fertility programs, growers can optimize nutrient management and enhance crop yield and quality.  

When would you use a foliar fertilizer?

Our growers use foliar fertilizers strategically throughout the growing season to supplement soil-applied fertilizers, correct deficiencies, manage stress, and optimize nutrient uptake for maximum crop yield and quality. Foliar feeding provides an excellent solution when the plant root system is not functioning optimally or soil nutrition is inadequate. This form of feeding is ideal when root uptake is disturbed by factors such as overly cold or warm soils, high soil pH, high weed competition or nematode infestation. Foliar fertilizers are also perfect as a preventive tool to avoid deficiencies and reduce stress situations.  Commonly we see foliar fertilizers applied in early growth stages, or to promote flowering and fruiting. In soybeans, for example, while there is flexibility in the timing of foliar applications, our research shows greater yield responses occur when foliar applications coincide with the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. They are commonly used throughout the season to correct nutritional deficiencies. 

Benefits of ICLs Foliar Fertilizers: 

• Promotes efficient nutrient absorption 
• Quickly corrects nutrient imbalance; alleviates nutrient deficiencies 
• Mitigates stress situations 
• Stimulates root development  
• Improves plant health and fertility 
• Offers nutrients directly through leaves 
• Improves yield and quality  

The high purity of the nutrients in our foliar fertilizers and the range of nutrients available, including N, P, K, and trace elements, means our foliar fertilizers equip you with the perfect tools to prevent and correct nutrient deficiencies. Plus, ICL unique patented technologies like M-77 help increase the efficiency of the foliar application. 

What is the impact of foliar applications on various crops?

Foliar applications can have a profound impact on crop productivity, health, and quality. They offer a direct and efficient method of delivering nutrients to crops, bypassing soil limitations and addressing deficiencies promptly. This approach not only enhances nutrient uptake and correction but also aids in stress management, yield improvement, and quality enhancement.

Featured Trials & Sucess Stories

• Foliar application of nutrition, including both macronutrients and micronutrients, is an important tool for increasing soybean yields.
• Foliar nutrition is an important tool for increasing apple yield and can increase individual fruit size by nearly 30%
• Foliars can be easily integrated into a comprehensive fertility program to optimize nutrient delivery at key stages of growth

Whether you are looking to complete the base fertilizer application in cereal crops or to resolve nutrient deficiencies, our foliar fertilizers offer a perfect solution.