Bangkok, Thailand: Not all liquids are true foliar feeds. One of the key benefits of a true foliar feed is that the nutrients are absorbed through the leaf of the plant and by-pass the root system, even in high stress conditions.
This not only maximises nutrient uptake but reduces leaching of nutrients into the environment, unlike conventional liquid fertilisers. Solar foliar feeds penetrate the epidermis and transcuticular pores on the foliage, which are open virtually all the time compared to stomata.
“Indigrow’s Solar range of activated foliar feeds has been developed to include proprietary complexing agents, surfactants and other formulation aids to provide enhanced uptake and utilisation whilst reducing leaching and volatilisation,” said Brian Croose, Asean Regional Manager for Indigrow, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
“The range uses a blend of organic acids, carbohydrates and other natural organic formulants to achieve optimum leaf uptake and nutrient translocation,” added Croose.
Within the formulation there is an acidifying component which not only helps with the mixing and compatibility but also with nutrient uptake. The complexing agents within the formulation ensure that the ‘nutrient’ element is protected from adverse chemical reactions with any pesticides which may be added to the tank mix.
Carefully chosen surfactants reduce the surface tension of the spray droplet allowing for optimum spread and contact with the leaf surface, whilst at the same time giving a degree of rain fastness.
Foliar feeding can also help to alleviate the build-up of salts in the rootzone, particularly relevant in warmer climates. Excessive salt build-up in the rootzone inhibits the ability of the roots to take in nutrients. Therefore, applying foliar feeds which are taken up by the leaf is an excellent method of managing this issue.
The Indigrow Solar range includes the following:
- Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium
- Phosphite
- Carbohydrates
- Iron
- Calcium and Magnesium
- Silicon
Following is a link to a video, which illustrates how effective they can be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di-prvVYKNo
Staff from Indigrow will be present at the AGIF’s Indonesia Turfgrass
Management Seminar at Gading Raya Golf Course on August 20-21.
