Make the most of your fertility plan with foliar nutrition

Gain potential yield opportunities for your crop by adding a foliar nutrient application to your fertility plan

Is your crop stressed? A foliar nutrition application might be just what’s needed.

Stressed crops have a very hard time taking up any nutrients from the soil. In instances of extreme drought or excess moisture your crops can suffer greatly without additional interference on your end to help them succeed. In some instances, multi-nutrient foliar applications can work within as little as 48 hours to help your crop get what it needs to grow again. This practice can help you save your crop from major yield loss in years where you may face extreme weather.

A foliar nutrition application applies a small amount of nutrients to your growing crop which absorbs then nutrients through the leaves. It is often sprayed at the same time as a herbicide or fungicide pass. 

Why consider a foliar application?  

1. To correct a nutrient deficiency

When plants are stressed due to unfavourable growing conditions, they can struggle to take up nutrients from the soil. This can be worsened due to:

• Nutrient shortages in the soil.
• Shallow roots or other factors preventing the plants themselves from taking up nutrients.
• Plant damage from wind or hail.
• Damaged roots (from fertilizer burn).
• Poor growing conditions (ie. cold and/or saturated soils).

2. To ensure your crop is healthy and will reach its full yield potential

Crops that look strong and are growing in favourable conditions have higher yield potential. If you are planning for a 40-bushel canola crop but conditions are lining up for 50 bushels, the extra nutrient requirement for those extra bushels can be lacking. In these situations, many farmers will apply foliar nutrients to ensure the crop is “topped up”, ensuring no nutrients become the limiting factor.

How to tell which nutrients to apply

When creating your fertility plan for the year, make sure to factor in an in-crop tissue test during the growing season. Including an in-crop tissue test along with a pre-seed soil test in your practice can help tell you everything you need to know about whether your plants are taking up the nutrients they need from the soil.

Take the next step towards a foliar application

When applying a foliar nutrient, it's important to keep expectations in check. They will "top-up" your nutrients so your crop can finish the season strong, which may impact yield or quality. Below are some important tips when using foliar nutrient applications:

• Quality is key
  Cost will always be an important factor but it’s also important to use a good quality product. Make sure the analysis on your chosen product is clear and you are getting a concentrated product that has a relevant nutrient load. 
• Timing is crucial
  Ensure your application timing is right by paying attention to the nutrient(s) you are applying and understanding when your crop needs them.
• Make sure it can mix
  Verify your chosen foliar nutrient is compatible with what you are tank mixing. This is especially important with Group 2 wild oat herbicides. Many potassium and copper products can also be hard on the crop when tank mixed.
• Get the right support
  Make sure the manufacturer has done their homework with tank mixes and will be able to support any issues that might arise.

The decision to use a foliar nutrient application is an agronomic decision that should focus on crop health and return on investment. Do not base yours on emotion and whether you can save money by not applying it. Our team will be there to support you through the entire decision-making process. Talk to your local Cargill representative to discuss foliar nutrients for your farm.

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