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Is Foliar Feeding Beneficial With Great Soil?
- Thread starter rrog
- Start date
Absolutely I do it all the time in veg. I dont do it in flower.
Thanks for the replies. Might anyone have seen any data on this? I was reading in another forum, where some dude posted the question and was decapitated. I was laughing but then it got me thinking.
Are there any links to studies that compared side by side results? I'm not doubting the thing, and I used to do it myself. I grew skeptical but that doesn't mean squat, obviously. I thought I saw improvement, but with untold variables I couldn't specifically say it was the foliar did anything.
Again, not arguing, just looking to learn
Are there any links to studies that compared side by side results? I'm not doubting the thing, and I used to do it myself. I grew skeptical but that doesn't mean squat, obviously. I thought I saw improvement, but with untold variables I couldn't specifically say it was the foliar did anything.
Again, not arguing, just looking to learn
there is no faster way to get NPK to you plants. Many only use it if they have Problems. I see a more lush green color then when I dont use it. I believe thats because N is being delivered quickly. It's not necessary to foliar feed. It defently gets the food to the plant fast.
geoponics13
Member
to noc up the plants matter with them freindly microbs,at the very least/most???idk but ive heard old folks swear mushroom teas kill off mold.ewc tea is good from wut i hear.but idk for a fact just my belife.good subject peace
how often do you foilar feed ?
do you alternate foilar feeding with normal spraying?
for how long should the fertilized solution remain on leaves for them to be sufficiently fed?
do you think foilar feeding will be an escape plan in case of nutrient lockout?
those are my questions
thanks in advance! peace!
do you alternate foilar feeding with normal spraying?
for how long should the fertilized solution remain on leaves for them to be sufficiently fed?
do you think foilar feeding will be an escape plan in case of nutrient lockout?
those are my questions
thanks in advance! peace!
All I can say is it works. I've actually switched my whole game and have been blown away by the results. I switched to LED's a few months ago and it of course killed my yields. But since starting to foliar all the way through flower I'm getting dense flowers like I had under the 1000w and haven't even pulled something that was foliared all the way through. Kelp, Humic, Fulvic, Aminos, Silica.....
Stomata can intake molecules 4 times the size of what the root can,.....if you look into it you can really do some cool shit with that concept. ( as far as granular minerals such as silica or sop go )
Here is a great quote of another thread and forum:
https://www.*****************/index.php?/topic/20684-foliar-feeding-schedule/
Lets start at the beginning. Foliar feeding is exactly what it says it is. Feeding your plant through the foliage. When nutrients are applied directly to the leaves they are quickly absorbed through the stomata. The stomata "is tiny mouth like organs on the leaves that facilitate nutrient intake and gas exchange" (1) The stomata are located on the underside of leaves so it is important to spray the underside of the leaves. When environmental conditions are optimal (temperature- humidity) the stomata open more and the exchange will happen faster. The leafs epidermis can also function as an organ that absorbs and excretes water and substance which may be dissolved in it. Foliar absorption is limited because of the barrier of the cuticle it is not possible to feed the plant solely via the leaves. For this reason the most effective use of foliar sprays is a rapid and effective method of supplying micro nutrients. Plants use what they need, if your plant has the correct amount of micronutrients, trace elements, they will not uptake the nutrients in a foliar spray The cost of foliar feeding is pennies per application as compared to root feedings. Lastly if you are using RO water your water does not contain any trace elements or micronutrients.
In soil less systems many nutrient interactions can occur within the root zone that makes it difficult to absorb certain materials. Even well run hydro systems can become deficent in certain nutrients, due to several reasons. Nutrient depletion, antagonism between certain elements or elements becoming bound and locked out. Then take into consideration PH levels fluxuating, oxygen starvation, physical properties of of the media surrounding the root zone all can add to problems that would benefit from foliar feedings. (2) A couple of examples of this would be Iron - A essential trace element can become locked out due to a high PH level, but uptake can also be severly limited by environmental conditions such as cool temperatures. Magnesium another element can benefit from foliar feeding Magnesium is either not present in many store bought hydroponic fertilizers, or is unable to be taken up by the plant due to large amounts of Ca or Cl. (3) Phosphorus- Phosphorus availability studies have given a ratio of 20 to 1 in favor of foliar feeding over soil feeding. There seems little doubt that where soil fixation exists, foliar applications of nutrients constitute the most efficient method of fertilizer "placement" and with plants of sufficient leaf area, foliar feeding with ALL the elements can make a significant contribution toward the total nutrient requirement."(4) There also have been several studies showing that foliar feeding increases cell division in plants, increases branching, and overall height and wellness of plants. One of these studies was conducted on hybrid tomato plants but the results can easilly be transferred to our hobby.
(1) http://www.seedsofch...ar_feeding.aspx
(2) http://www.simplyhyd...iar_feeding.htm
(3) http://www.quicktrad...com/tips18.html
(4) Agricultural Chemicals Magazine (dont ask why I read this magazine)
(5) http://www.aensi.org.../2009/33-36.pdf
Stomata can intake molecules 4 times the size of what the root can,.....if you look into it you can really do some cool shit with that concept. ( as far as granular minerals such as silica or sop go )
Here is a great quote of another thread and forum:
https://www.*****************/index.php?/topic/20684-foliar-feeding-schedule/
Lets start at the beginning. Foliar feeding is exactly what it says it is. Feeding your plant through the foliage. When nutrients are applied directly to the leaves they are quickly absorbed through the stomata. The stomata "is tiny mouth like organs on the leaves that facilitate nutrient intake and gas exchange" (1) The stomata are located on the underside of leaves so it is important to spray the underside of the leaves. When environmental conditions are optimal (temperature- humidity) the stomata open more and the exchange will happen faster. The leafs epidermis can also function as an organ that absorbs and excretes water and substance which may be dissolved in it. Foliar absorption is limited because of the barrier of the cuticle it is not possible to feed the plant solely via the leaves. For this reason the most effective use of foliar sprays is a rapid and effective method of supplying micro nutrients. Plants use what they need, if your plant has the correct amount of micronutrients, trace elements, they will not uptake the nutrients in a foliar spray The cost of foliar feeding is pennies per application as compared to root feedings. Lastly if you are using RO water your water does not contain any trace elements or micronutrients.
In soil less systems many nutrient interactions can occur within the root zone that makes it difficult to absorb certain materials. Even well run hydro systems can become deficent in certain nutrients, due to several reasons. Nutrient depletion, antagonism between certain elements or elements becoming bound and locked out. Then take into consideration PH levels fluxuating, oxygen starvation, physical properties of of the media surrounding the root zone all can add to problems that would benefit from foliar feedings. (2) A couple of examples of this would be Iron - A essential trace element can become locked out due to a high PH level, but uptake can also be severly limited by environmental conditions such as cool temperatures. Magnesium another element can benefit from foliar feeding Magnesium is either not present in many store bought hydroponic fertilizers, or is unable to be taken up by the plant due to large amounts of Ca or Cl. (3) Phosphorus- Phosphorus availability studies have given a ratio of 20 to 1 in favor of foliar feeding over soil feeding. There seems little doubt that where soil fixation exists, foliar applications of nutrients constitute the most efficient method of fertilizer "placement" and with plants of sufficient leaf area, foliar feeding with ALL the elements can make a significant contribution toward the total nutrient requirement."(4) There also have been several studies showing that foliar feeding increases cell division in plants, increases branching, and overall height and wellness of plants. One of these studies was conducted on hybrid tomato plants but the results can easilly be transferred to our hobby.
(1) http://www.seedsofch...ar_feeding.aspx
(2) http://www.simplyhyd...iar_feeding.htm
(3) http://www.quicktrad...com/tips18.html
(4) Agricultural Chemicals Magazine (dont ask why I read this magazine)
(5) http://www.aensi.org.../2009/33-36.pdf
i tend to think natural plant hormones like found in kelp and or alfalfa,may be beneficial to plants, as a foliar, even if soil is working pro...
for example
a hit with kelp extract mayhelp speed up harding off clones or younglings,influence natural plant defense,root growth, etc
were
alfalfa hands down does wonders (for my garden) when foliared before and or after some pruning,tie downs,T planting & so on
this link kind of gets to the bottom of it IMO
Foliar Feeding: A Waste of Time and Money?
for example
a hit with kelp extract mayhelp speed up harding off clones or younglings,influence natural plant defense,root growth, etc
were
alfalfa hands down does wonders (for my garden) when foliared before and or after some pruning,tie downs,T planting & so on
this link kind of gets to the bottom of it IMO
Foliar Feeding: A Waste of Time and Money?
ijim
Member
There are as many ways and formulas used in foliar feeding as soil preps and nutrient solutions. A comprehensive study would take over a hundred gigs of a PDF. You can count on anybody that does a study is selling a product. I foliar feed because I get a healthier product when I do with the formulas I use. But am always open to try new things on a girl or two in my garden to see If I can improve the health of the ladies.
I don't do any foliar feeding whatsoever, and my plants do what they are supposed to do.
no, wait, I do spray very young plants and clones with seaweed extract.
AFAIK stomata are meant for transporting gases, not liquids.
no, wait, I do spray very young plants and clones with seaweed extract.
AFAIK stomata are meant for transporting gases, not liquids.
When it comes to Silica and sea kelp, I think foliar feeding is the way to go. Not only are they very available on the leaf surface and regardless of good soil, there are times when plants could use a little boost/pick me up.
To me there are two times I foliar feed as supplementation. First is when transplanting, to help settle seedlings in and give a supply of water just in case. Second is when plants are going into flower/flowering or begin to yellow. Then its just blackstrap molasses and a little kelp.
The main reason to foliar feed in my mind would be when utilizing silica. From first hand expereince, this seems to help vastly during periods of heat or leaf piercing bugs.
To me there are two times I foliar feed as supplementation. First is when transplanting, to help settle seedlings in and give a supply of water just in case. Second is when plants are going into flower/flowering or begin to yellow. Then its just blackstrap molasses and a little kelp.
The main reason to foliar feed in my mind would be when utilizing silica. From first hand expereince, this seems to help vastly during periods of heat or leaf piercing bugs.
In optimal conditions, foliar is somewhat redundant. Perhaps silica works as a sort of sunscreen in the heat. Yucca seems to. As a feeding method. I might equate it with using hand lotion or maybe hair conditioner, adding moisture and sealing it in, adding nutrients to the skin itself or in this case the leaf.. You get really pretty leaves. Very capable ones if that makes any sense.
At the same time coating the leaves inhibits them from doing what they are supposed to do, photosynthesize. Like hair conditioner, it should be rinsed off, in the end a clean leaf being most efficient.
At the same time coating the leaves inhibits them from doing what they are supposed to do, photosynthesize. Like hair conditioner, it should be rinsed off, in the end a clean leaf being most efficient.
Thank you everyone for the generous replies. While there are those who have strong opinions for or against, the largest group seem to view foliar feedings as a fast means to correct a problem or to head of a problem during a plant's transition.
Frankly, I thought I would hear more people strongly advocating the use of foliar on a daily basis.
Frankly, I thought I would hear more people strongly advocating the use of foliar on a daily basis.
For sure. You can buy 67% silica for like $30 per pound and use a 1/4-1/2 teaspoon a gallon and everything will rubber up.
edit: also think it has pretty much every nutrient minus the n-p-k, ...
Last edited:
redneck shogun
Member
is silica the same thing as liquid silicon? can you use it when doing organics and not kill the bacteria? I know those are some hard questions, but I wish anyone could answer them
I believe I have heard in this forum the most commonly used to be pro-tekt that has silica and is an emulsifier? I've wanted to try a horsetail fpe if I can ever find the stuff.
pro-tekt is actually a lousy emulsifier, according to actual testing I did.
to test each emulsifier I made an emulsion the same way and waited for the creaming. The pro-tekt emulsion showed earlier and more extensive creaming than dish soap.
to test each emulsifier I made an emulsion the same way and waited for the creaming. The pro-tekt emulsion showed earlier and more extensive creaming than dish soap.
