1、Fertilizing Fruit Trees
Maintain a record on the amount of nitrogen applied each year and the resulting growth. Such records provide a guide for the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to apply to achieve the desired results.
2、Foliar Fertilization for Sustainable Crop Production
Here I review the extensive work that has been carried out on the effectiveness of foliar-applied nutrients, the mechanisms of foliar absorption, and transport.
3、Optimum Timing of Foliar Nutrient Sprays
For an optimum yield response to foliar fertilization it is possible that the optimum growth stage of the plant for the timing of foliar nutrient sprays does not necessarily fall within the recommended time interval as dictated by pesticide spraying.
Foliar Fertilization of Crop Plants: Journal of Plant Nutrition: Vol 32 , No 6
Foliar fertilization requires higher leaf area index for absorbing applied nutrient solution in sufficient amount, it may be necessary to have more than one application depending on severity of nutrient deficiency.
Foliar
Urea (5%, w/v) application at full bloom had a slight effect of fruit thinning of fruitlets, but increased fruit size and the number of cells per fruit. Sprayed spurs showed larger fruit weight before a significant difference in fruit number per spur was observed.
COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT FOLIAR
For citrus, the standard time for applying foliar fertilizers is when leaves are 1/3 to 2/3 expanded (March-April) to take advantage of the thin cuticle, yet large surface area.
Growing lychee in Hawaii
One-third of the fertilizer allocated for the year should be applied two weeks before harvest. The remaining two-thirds of the fertilizer should be applied in two equal parts, one in spring during flower panicle elongation and the sec ond when fruits reach pea size.
Foliar Application: A Thriving and Flourishing Domain in Agriculture
Foliar application can be explained as spraying the suitable fertilizer solution (condition is, that it should be water soluble) on the surface of the leaves of growing plants [3].
Foliar Nutrition of Fruit Crops
Summary This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Uptake of Foliar-Applied Nutrients Factors Affecting Absorption of Foliar-Applied Nutrients Metabolism of Foliar-Absorbed Nitrogen Transl...
Effect of foliar applied phosphatic fertilizer on absorption pathways, yield and quality of sweet persimmon
Higher fruit yield was observed in the second year than the first year because first year foliar applied phosphatic fertilizer helped to direct transfer and accumulation of carbohydrate in plant for the next year which resulted in better development of fruits.
The frequency and timing of foliar fertilizer application for fruit tree seedlings depend on various factors, including tree species, growth stage, soil conditions, and fertilization goals. Below are detailed recommendations for annual foliar fertilizer application based on different scenarios:
1. Early Growth Stage (Budding to Pre-Blooming)
During the budding phase and before flowering, foliar spraying promotes rapid root development, enhances stress resistance, and supports flower bud formation. It is recommended to apply foliar fertilizer once in early spring (around the budding period) to stimulate growth and root development. For liquid formulations, spray every two weeks for 2-3 consecutive applications. For solid fertilizers, apply 50-100 kg per mu (approx. 0.5-1 kg per square meter), followed by foliar spraying weekly for 2-3 times.
2. Fruit Enlargement Stage
During fruit enlargement, foliar fertilizer replenishes micronutrients and improves fruit quality. Spray every two weeks for 2-3 applications. Adjust dosage and frequency based on soil tests and plant health.
3. Fruit Ripening Stage
In the ripening phase, foliar fertilizer boosts sugar accumulation, enhancing flavor and texture. Spray every two weeks for 2-3 applications. Adjust as needed based on soil tests and plant observations.
4. Pest and Disease Management
Foliar fertilizers can aid in preventing or treating mild pest/disease issues. For minor infections, apply immediately upon symptom detection. For severe cases, start spraying at the onset of disease and continue until under control.
5. Environmental Stress Resilience
Under extreme conditions (e.g., drought, heat), foliar fertilizer strengthens drought/heat resistance. Apply proactively before adverse weather to improve stress tolerance.
6. Nutrient Balance Supplementation
Foliar fertilizers compensate for soil-limited micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, manganese), ensuring adequate nutrition for healthy growth.
7. Key Considerations
- Select appropriate formulas based on tree age, species, and soil type.
- Use certified products to avoid phytotoxicity from low-quality fertilizers.
- Follow dilution ratios as specified on product labels.
- Avoid midday spraying to prevent leaf scorch.
- Monitor plant responses; discontinue use and consult experts if adverse reactions occur.
optimize foliar fertilizer application by aligning timing and dosage with specific growth stages and nutritional needs to achieve best results.

