Formula for Foliar Fertilizer

Foliar Fertilization is a method of distributing targeted quantity of nutrients elements to plants. This is primarily done by mixing the Foliar fertilization mix in water and deploying it to the under portion of the leaves in a fine mist. This could be considered as a surgical approach to plant nutrition.

Plant nutritionists have determined that the major elements needed for ideal plant growth are :

1. Primary Plant Nutrients - Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium
2. Secondary Plant Nutrients - Calcium, Silicon, Sulfur, Magnesium
3. Trace Elements - Boron, Chlorine, Manganese, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Molybdenum

Creating a foliar formula involves leaf tissue analysis to determine the nutrient level of the plant and figuring out what compounds would work best with the other fertilizer compounds. The reason behind this is because some elements will affect the potency of some elements and could even be detrimental to the plant’s health. One must also be knowledgeable with the effects of overdoses and under doses of each nutrient. A major requirement when experimenting with elements is that the final product should be able to mix well in water. And lastly, another thing you have to factor in is the economic side of the mix, meaning that the compounds have to be cost effective.

The formula below is a generalized formula. The ideal way to implement foliar fertilization is to first determine the nutrient levels of the plant then any deficiencies should be supplemented with a specialized mix. Keeping in mind also that some nutrients can affect the other nutrient levels.

Formula for Banana Foliar Fertilizer Mix (100%)

Urea (Nitrogen) 20.73%
Potassium Sulfate (Potassium) 56.54%
Calcium Sulfate (Sulfur) 6.60%
Magnesium Sulfate (Magnesium) 4.71%
Ammonium Phosphate (Phosporous) 5.65%
Calcium hydroxide (Calcium) 5.65%
Zinc Sulfate (Zinc) 0.02%
Ferrous Sulfate (Iron) 0.05%
Inkabor Boron (Boron) 0.05%

Why were these elements used?
Primarily because they dissolve well in water.

How can I measure 0.05%?
The value is very small, so a pinch will probably do.

How much do I need?
Usage depends on the stage of the plant. During fruiting stage you use 0.7kg of the mixture in 16 liters of water, anything other than that, you can just use 0.5 kg. Fruiting stage of a banana tree usually occurs during its 8th month.

How do I use this?
Place the mixture in a backpack sprayer that stores compressed air. Adjust the nozzle so that it ejects a fine mist, otherwise your just wasting the fertilizer. Spray generously on the bottom of the leaves and at the base of the leaves. Spray in the early morning when the sun still isn’t out. Stop to mix the mixture in the backpack sprayer whenever the elements start to solidify on the bottom of the sprayer. Do this on a weekly basis. If your plant show signs of distress or weakening, stop using this mixture.

How effective is this?
This formula was tested for a year on two lakatan (sweet banana) banana plants with one being a control plant. Both plants came from the same stock of tissue culture. Both plants received ground fertilization with the control not receiving any foliar fertilization. It was noted that the plant receiving foliar fertilization grew more rapidly than the control plant and its fruit weighed 2kg more than the control plant.

Use this at your own risk, no guarantees are made for this formula. Not sure also how this will fare in non tropical environments.