Collaborators: Mark & Tracy Vetsch (Valleyview), MD of Greenview
Funders: Prairie Organic Grain Initiative, Organic Alberta
Research Coordinator: Dr. Akim Omokanye
Foliar feeding involves the application of nutrients (through spraying) to plant leaves and stems, and their absorption at those sites. It is a viable means of enhancing crop nutrition. Foliar feeding has been used as a means of providing supplemental doses of minor and major nutrients, stimulants, and other beneficial substances. Observed effects of foliar feeding have included yield increases, resistance to diseases and insect pests, improved drought tolerance, and enhanced crop quality. Plant response is dependent on species, nutrient form, concentration, and frequency of application, as well as the stage of plant growth. Foliar applications are often timed to coincide with specific vegetative or fruiting stages of growth. Several foliar feeding nutrients are available in the market, but in this study, we only used Compost Tea, Fish Fertilizer and Liquid Carbon 9-5-3, to learn if there was a measurable benefit to foliar feeding using these products.
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