Comments on: Yield Building with Twin Pack Simplicity

By: Graeme Sait

Graeme Sait — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:52:14 +0000

Hi Colin,

If you are seeking complete foliar nutrition for any plant then the simple, two part solution for the home gardener involves a combination of Total Cover and Trio. However, they can not be applied together due to incompatibilities. There is one exception to this program. You should not use Total Cover with Australian Natives. In this case you shoold ideally use Black Gold and Trio. Natives do not like soluble phosphate.

Warm regards

By: Colin Eblen

Colin Eblen — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:20:33 +0000

I’m a non commercial user. Is TRIO recommended for all plants? Are some of “Programs” not up to date?

By: Philippa Davis

Philippa Davis — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:01:57 +0000

The ability of foliar spraying to substitute for other fertiliser inputs will depend on the crop and the soil properties (as determined via soil testing). As a general rule, most small/broadacre crops will require a planting blend (or liquid injection at planting) for good establishment and rapid early growth. At this young stage, most crops would be too susceptible to burning to perform a foliar spray containing significant nutrient levels. There is, however, the potential for foliar spraying to substitute for side-dressing through the season but this will also depend on existing soil nutrient levels as major requirements may need a larger application than what can be achieved through the foliar route (due to potential foliage burn). Fertigation or side dressing may be preferable for considerable nutrient requirements.

Another consideration is mineral balancing. Soil amendments are required when a major imbalance is evident, particularly an out-of-balance calcium to magnesium ratio. The Ca/Mg ratio governs soil structure which subsequently determines the entry of oxygen into the soil. Adequate aeration is critical for proliferation of beneficial soil biology. These microorganisms are responsible for important tasks such as nitrogen fixation, nutrient solubilisation and disease suppression. Ensuring an optimum environment for these organisms is subsequently a critical step in terms of reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.

In summary, generally foliar spraying is one component of a fertiliser program. Foliar spraying enables rapid nutrient correction and supplementation of key minerals at critical crop stages (e.g. boron prior to flowering). It also allows for direct supplementation of elements which may be ‘locked-up’ in the soil and helps to bypass soil-based antagonisms. If you would like any further information for your particular situation please feel free to contact an NTS Agronomist.

By: Homayun

Homayun — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 03:54:56 +0000

Hi
Thanks for your article.
I have a question. If someone has the possibility for regular foliar fertilizing his crops, can he omit the application of soil fertilizers (in any form such as pre-planting, fertigation, sidedressing, bandig,) and replace all of these forms by foliar fertilization? What is your idea?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:30:06 +0000

thanks for that

By: Geoffrey Leigh

Geoffrey Leigh — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:03:12 +0000

Foliar fertilising make great sense to me as a clinical nutritionist with over thirty years experience specialising in mitochondrial medicine to halt and reverse brain aging, one obtains best practice results vi the application of nutrients transdermally, whic may be likened to foliar fertilising.

The U.S army is currently trialling a ten day combat nutrition patch, reducing the need for meals in combat.

Well done and certainly the best method of optimising cellular nutrition.
Australian Institute of Biological Medicine
(non-profit)