Mixed mineral foliar fertiliser: a practical guide
Micronutrients applied through the leaves to prevent and correct deficiencies.
A mixed mineral foliar fertiliser supplies the plant, through its leaves, with one or more mineral elements, in particular micronutrients. This guide summarises what the data sheets of the FP Micro Nutrientes range sold by Fertipower say.
What is a mixed mineral foliar fertiliser
Foliar feeding means spraying a nutrient solution onto the foliage, which absorbs part of the elements applied. It does not replace soil fertilisation: it complements it, above all when the plant needs an element quickly or when the soil makes it poorly available. A fertiliser is called mixed when the formulation combines several elements, as with Ligno Mix, and specific when it focuses on a single element, such as iron, zinc, boron or copper.
The data sheets of the range describe highly soluble formulations. According to the Ligno Zinc data sheet, using chelated or complexed micronutrients improves absorption and translocation within the plant and so corrects any deficiencies more quickly.
When to use it
The data sheets point to specific situations where foliar application is particularly useful:
- Peaks in demand: stages when the crop takes up more nutrients than the soil can supply.
- Poor soils: the Ligno data sheets refer to soils that are particularly poor in these elements.
- Weak root development: when the roots take up little, the foliar route helps to supply the plant.
- Urgent corrections: in these cases, the Sangrow Cobre data sheet advises foliar application.
- Lock-up in the soil: the Sanbor data sheet notes that a high soil pH can block the availability of boron.
Several data sheets (Sanbor, Sangrow Cobre, Power Fos.k) recommend applying the product under optimum growing conditions, defined by humidity, temperature and soil. In most cases, these conditions are met early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Fertipower products
- LIGNO MIX: formulated primarily for foliar application, to prevent and correct micronutrient deficiencies in a wide range of agricultural and ornamental crops.
- LIGNO ZINC: formulated primarily for foliar application, to prevent and correct zinc deficiencies; its use is suggested as a complement to a balanced fertilisation programme.
- LIGNO FERRO: formulated primarily for foliar application, to prevent and correct iron deficiencies in agricultural and ornamental crops.
- Fersol 20: highly soluble formulation to prevent and correct iron deficiencies, applied to the leaves or to the soil, by dusting or through the irrigation system.
- FOLIBOR-K: highly soluble formulation, free of chlorides, sulphates and nitrate or ammonium nitrogen, to prevent and correct boron deficiencies; the potassium it contains improves the uptake and use of boron.
- Sanbor: highly soluble formulation to prevent and correct boron deficiencies, applied to the leaves or through the irrigation system.
- SANGROW COBRE: highly soluble formulation to prevent and correct copper deficiencies, applied to the leaves or through the irrigation system.
- POWER FOS.K: highly soluble formulation intended to improve the root environment and the relationship between soil and plants.
The full range is gathered under FP Micro Nutrientes.
Frequently asked questions
Does foliar feeding replace soil fertilisation?
No. The Ligno data sheets suggest these products as a complement to a balanced fertilisation programme. The foliar route is occasional support, not the basis of nutrition.
What is the difference between Ligno Mix and single-element products?
Ligno Mix is intended for micronutrient deficiencies in general. Ligno Zinc, Ligno Ferro, Fersol 20, Sanbor, Folibor-k and Sangrow Cobre target a specific element, once the deficiency has been identified.
What time of day should I apply?
The Sanbor, Sangrow Cobre and Power Fos.k data sheets state that optimum humidity and temperature conditions are met, in most cases, early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Where can I find the rates?
Rates and directions for use are given on the technical data sheet and the label of each product. If the data sheet is not on the product page, ask for it by e-mail.
The technical data sheet and the label of each product take precedence over this guide. To request a quote or up-to-date documentation, write to geral@fertipower.pt. You can also put your questions to the site’s chat assistant, an artificial intelligence system.