Foliar Solutions for Protecting This Year’s Investment

No growing season goes exactly as planned. Some years it’s the weather. Other years it’s disease pressure, rising input costs or volatile markets. This season, many of us are managing all of these challenges at once while looking for ways to make every input work harder.

One thing hasn’t changed, though. By mid-season, much of the investment has already been made. Seed is planted, fertility programs are in place, and crop protection decisions have been made. The focus shifts from building yield potential to protecting it.

That’s where management decisions can still make a meaningful difference.

Across the industry, we’re having important conversations about nutrient use efficiency, application timing and getting more value from every acre. Rather than asking, “How much fertilizer should I apply?” many growers are asking, “How can I help the crop make better use of applied nutrients?”

Foliar nutrition is one way to answer that question.

When Does Foliar Nutrition Make Sense?

When environmental conditions, root restrictions or periods of rapid crop demand limit nutrient uptake from the soil, foliar applications provide fast, targeted nutrient delivery directly to the plant.

Foliar nutrition is one of those tools that allows us to respond to changing crop needs, support nutrient uptake when conditions are less than ideal, and help protect yield, quality and ultimately profitability.

Foliar applications provide a targeted, mid-season opportunity and practical support when:

• Nutrient uptake is limited by weather or soil conditions.
• Crop demand exceeds what roots can supply quickly enough.
• Specific nutrient deficiencies require timely correction.
• Growers want to maximize the return on their existing fertility investment.
• Nutrition can be integrated into planned crop protection applications for greater efficiency.

By delivering nutrients directly to plant leaves, foliar applications can provide quick, effective support. They can help maintain crop performance and protect yield and quality when the season doesn’t go according to plan.

Protect Your Investment with the Right Foliar Solution

Whether you’re supporting nutrient use efficiency during rapid crop growth or protecting yield and quality later in the season, choosing the right foliar solutions ensures the targeted nutrition when crops need it most.

Download our Mid-Season Foliar Guide

• When stress slows crop performance
  Environmental stress can limit photosynthesis, nutrient movement and overall crop function. FORMULA 1 0-29-26 uses phosphite-based technology to support plant health and help crops maintain performance during stressful conditions.
• When reproductive growth requires additional phosphorus support
  Critical stages like flowering, pod set and grain development can increase phosphorus demand. CHALLENGE 8-32-5 provides an efficient phosphorus source to supplement soil fertility and support reproductive growth. Nova HiPeaK LQ 0-20-20 is another good option if you are looking for highly concentrated phosphorous and potassium in a high-purity, chloride- and sodium-free liquid form.
• When nutrient efficiency and yield potential are priorities
  Crops rely on a balanced supply of nutrients to support nutrient uptake, reproductive development and grain, pod or fruit formation. Nova PULSE® 0-6-4 delivers P, K, Mg, S, Zn, Mo and Co in a foliar application designed to support nutrient efficiency and crop development.
• When crops enter peak nutrient demand periods
  Rapid growth stages can create high nutrient requirements that are difficult to meet through soil supply alone. Nova FLOW® 5-10-20 + 9Mg provides concentrated NPK, plus magnesium nutrition to support photosynthesis, crop growth and yield potential.
• When potassium demand increases and quality is at risk
  Rapidly available potassium can help support crop movement, quality and development during key growth stages. Uptake K 0-0-23 delivers potassium acetate technology designed for quick absorption and efficient movement within the plant.
• When finishing quality matters
  Late-season potassium and micronutrient needs can influence starch, sugar accumulation, maturity and final crop quality. Nova FINISH® 8-12-40 + micros delivers high-potassium nutrition with fully chelated micronutrients to support premium quality outcomes.

Before You Apply

A successful foliar program starts with understanding what the crop needs and why.

Before making an application, consider:

• Which nutrient is most likely limiting crop performance?
• Is the crop at the right growth stage to respond?
• Are environmental conditions favorable for foliar uptake?
• How does the application complement your overall fertility program?

Agronomist Takeaway

In agriculture we often look to the future. Building a future that is more sustainable, more efficient and more profitable. But sometimes progress starts with the decisions we make today.

In challenging seasons, the ability to adapt and make strategic adjustments can make a meaningful difference. While no season goes exactly to plan, well-timed foliar nutrition can provide a practical safety net to help protect the investment you’ve already made.

Connect with an ICL expert in your area to learn more.