First: Is foliar fertilizer a water-soluble fertilizer?
Foliar fertilizer is a type of foliar-sprayed fertilizer, and a water-soluble fertilizer is one that can dissolve in water. Generally, foliar fertilizers are all water-soluble fertilizers.
Fertilizers insoluble in water cannot be used as foliar fertilizers. This is well understood. Foliar fertilizers are applied by spraying them with water. If fertilizers are insoluble in water, they cannot be absorbed by the foliage. For example, calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer, zinc oxide, manganese slag, etc., are insoluble in water, so they cannot be used as foliar fertilizers.
In simple terms, foliar fertilizer is a type of water-soluble fertilizer, but not all water-soluble fertilizers are foliar fertilizers.
Second: What is the difference between water-soluble fertilizers and foliar fertilizers?
Foliar fertilizers are a type of water-soluble fertilizers that differ from non-foliar fertilizers. The main differences are as follows:
- Different concepts
Water-soluble fertilizers are completely soluble in water and contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, humic acid, alginic acid, and other substances. Foliar fertilizer is applied to the leaves and functions through leaf absorption.
- Different usages
Foliar fertilizer is applied by spraying it on the front and back of the leaves after dilution. Besides surface spraying, it can also be flushed, sprayed, or used in conjunction with drip irrigation systems.
- Different dosages
For ordinary balanced water-soluble fertilizers, the dosage per mu is generally about 5 kg. The amount of foliar fertilizer used is lower, generally about 20-50 grams per mu.
- Different absorption rates
The effective absorption rate of water-soluble fertilizers is generally 80-90%. The absorption rate of ordinary foliar fertilizer is generally above 85%, and the absorption rate of amino acid foliar fertilizer is about 95%.
Third: Is foliar fertilizer insoluble in water?
No.
Foliar fertilizers are sprayed directly on the leaves without contacting the soil to avoid unfavorable factors caused by soil adsorption, leaching, etc., so the utilization rate is high. Foliar fertilizers are generally sprayed as a solution, which must be soluble in water. If there are insoluble substances, after being sprayed on the surface of crops, they cannot be absorbed, and sometimes they may even damage the leaves.