Blattsprühungen

Blattsprühungen, also known as foliar feeding or foliar fertilization, refers to the application of liquid fertilizers directly onto the leaves of plants. This method bypasses the soil and allows nutrients to be absorbed through the stomata, the small pores on the leaf surface. Blattsprühungen are typically used to supplement soil-based nutrient applications or to address specific nutrient deficiencies quickly.

The primary advantage of Blattsprühungen is the speed at which plants can absorb nutrients. This makes them particularly useful for correcting deficiencies that manifest as visible symptoms on the foliage, such as yellowing leaves due to a lack of nitrogen or iron. They can also be beneficial when soil conditions are unfavorable for root uptake, such as in very dry, waterlogged, or cold soils.

Commonly applied nutrients via Blattsprühungen include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients like iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, as well as calcium and magnesium. The concentration of the fertilizer solution is critical; too high a concentration can damage the leaves, while too low may be ineffective. The best time for application is typically early morning or late evening when stomata are open and temperatures are moderate, minimizing the risk of leaf burn.

While effective for rapid nutrient delivery, Blattsprühungen are generally not a complete replacement for soil fertilization. The amount of nutrients that can be absorbed through the leaves is limited compared to root uptake. Therefore, they are best used as a supplementary tool in a comprehensive plant nutrition program.