Brimpton, Berkshire, England: 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.

The range uses a blend of organic acids, carbohydrates and other natural organic formulants to achieve optimum leaf uptake and nutrient translocation.

“Foliar feeding ensures that nutrients are taken up by the leaf, and not by the plants root system,” said Brian Croose, Asean Regional Manager for Indigrow, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

He added: “Research shows that different nitrogen sources are taken up at different rates. Our formulations have been developed to take account of this.

“Fertiliser enters leaf through microspores which are negatively charged. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-) is also negatively charged and is, therefore, repelled by the leaf which explains why significantly lower amounts were taken up compared to the positively charged ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) and zero charged urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen has the lowest salt index and shows limited or no phytotoxicity.”

The efficiency of uptake of many nutrient elements is enhanced by a slightly acidic solution and, where possible, formulations are buffered to take account of this.

The spreading action of the surfactants allows uptake though the cuticle of the leaf and does not limit penetration to the stomata.