Foliar nutrition in pome fruit: tips and application
For the nutrition of fruit trees, proper soil management is naturally the foundation. However, there are several moments during cultivation when nutrient uptake through the soil may be insufficient. For example, a high soil pH or a high organic matter content can lead to the fixation of various (trace) elements. Although these nutrients are present in the soil, they are so strongly bound to the clay-humus complex that the roots cannot absorb them. As a result, deficiency symptoms may occur, leading to losses in yield and fruit quality.
Different elements
Particularly in fruit cultivation, several elements are well known for their major influence on yield and quality. For example, manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) play a crucial role in enzyme activity and energy transfer during the photosynthesis process. This process produces sugars that are ultimately stored in apples or pears. Potassium (K), on the other hand, is essential for effectively transporting these produced sugars from the leaves to the storage organs. And of course, calcium (Ca) is widely recognized for its role in developing strong cell walls.
When these elements cannot be sufficiently absorbed through the roots, foliar fertilizers can provide a solution. However, not all foliar fertilizers are the same. The absorbability of foliar fertilizers is especially decisive for the final result. Optima foliar fertilizers distinguish themselves from traditional fertilizers because the nutrients are complexed with an organic carrier.
As a result, the (molecular) charge of the nutrients is neutralized, making these fertilizers significantly gentler on the crop. The organic complexation ensures that the nutrient is absorbed very efficiently. This allows maximum results to be achieved with a minimal amount of nutrients in the foliar fertilizers: “Foliar Nutrition Perfected.”
Trace elements
Finally, most Optima foliar fertilizers contain added trace elements, recognizable by the “+” in the Optima Leaf range. These additional trace elements not only contribute to optimal nutrient uptake, but also help prevent one-sided fertilization. All nutrients must be present in a specific balance for crops to perform at their best. Fertilization with only one or a few nutrients often leads to nutritional imbalances within the crop. The added trace elements in Optima Leaf-Plus help prevent such imbalances.
By considering the use of foliar nutrition in advance, crops can become more resilient and profitable. When creating your cultivation plan, identify potential deficiencies as well as critical growth stages and their corresponding nutritional requirements. Consider phosphate during the establishment phase, manganese, zinc, and calcium during vegetative stages, and potassium during bulb or tuber development.
In addition, nutrients such as calcium, silicon, manganese, and copper, as well as biostimulants like amino acids and/or seaweed extracts, can contribute to crop resilience. By planning ahead, foliar nutrition becomes a strategic tool for stable and consistent growth rather than an emergency measure. In this way, nutrients can contribute to growth, resilience, and quality.
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