Foliar Fertiliser versus Soil Fertiliser
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Less energy used for ion uptake
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
0% phosphate fixation
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Nitrogen and Potassium (N & K) uptake efficiency around 90%
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
No phosphate loss in sand soil
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
No nitrogen loss as ammonia gas
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
No nitrogen lost as nitrate
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
No impact on soil acidification
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
More rhizobial activity
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
No need for lime compensation
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Foliar stimulates photosynthesis
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Stimulates phloem loading of sugar
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Stimulates transport of sugar
and phosphorus
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Stimulates active root exudation
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Stimulates rhizosphere activity
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Exudates unlock phosphorus
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Exudates chelate more metals
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
More rhizosphere bacteria
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
More N2 - fixed by free living bacteria
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Less energy used by the plant
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
More plant productivity (growth)
FOLIAR FERTILISERS
Better soil sustainability and stability
SOIL FERTILISERS
More energy used for ion uptake
SOIL FERTILISERS
At least 90% phosphate fixation
SOIL FERTILISERS
Nitrogen and Potassium (N & K) uptake efficiency around 60%
SOIL FERTILISERS
Phosphate loss in sandy soil
SOIL FERTILISERS
Nitrogen lost as ammonia
SOIL FERTILISERS
Nitrogen lost as nitrate
SOIL FERTILISERS
Increased soil acidification
SOIL FERTILISERS
Rhizobial activity may be reduced
SOIL FERTILISERS
Lime required to compensate acidification
SOIL FERTILISERS
No direct impact on photosynthesis
SOIL FERTILISERS
No direct impact on phloem loading
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on sugar
and phosphorus
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on root exudation
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on rhizosphere
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on the unlocking
of phosphorus
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on chelating metals
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on rhizosphere bacteria
SOIL FERTILISERS
No parallel effect on N2 fixation
SOIL FERTILISERS
More energy used by the plant
SOIL FERTILISERS
Less plant growth
SOIL FERTILISERS
Less soil sustainability and stability
Conlusion
Understanding the differences, and the particular strengths of the different forms of fertilisers available to the market today, can equip farmers and growers with the information and knowledge needed to plan and make decisions that increases productivity and enhances both crop and commercial outcomes.