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Foliar Feeding
Foliar feeding is a tool that some producers use to improve yields or the quality of certain crops. Applying some nutrients to crop foliage is more practical than others. Micronutrients are well suited to a foliar application. A foliar zinc application to a deficient crop will give a quick response with little if any leaf burn. Iron sulfate sprays have been less effective in improving chlorotic soybeans. It is best to correct a nitrogen deficiency early with a topdress or sidedress application. However, increases in wheat protein levels have been realized with application of about 30 lb N/acre as a foliar application at the watery-ripe stage of wheat growth. Application up to 15 lb N/A will have little effect on small grains if temperatures are cool and the foliage is wet. For broadleaf crops, significant burning is probable at even these low rates. At N rates of 30 lbs/A, some leaf burn is probable in small grains. Leaf burn is reduced if N is applied during cool temperatures and wet foliage. Cutting the fertilizer solution to a 50% water/50% fertilizer by volume will also reduce burning.
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