In a message dated 6/24/2004 9:34:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, writes:

I was gonna say that, but people keep insisting that foliar
feeding is a valuable addition to growing bonsai, and I
didn't
feel like an argument. ;-)

Jim:

Let's argue a bit. );-)) The following is based on tests at Michigan State University:

"FOLIAR FEEDING -
Foliar feeding is an effective method for correcting soil deficiencies and overcoming the soil’s inability to transfer nutrients to the plant. Tests have shown that up to 90 percent of a foliar fed nutrient solution can be found in the smallest root of
a plant within 60 minutes of application. A project conducted at Michigan State University, using radioÂ*active tagged nutrients, proved that foliar feeding can be 8 to10 times more effective than soil feeding.

The effectiveness of foliar applied nutrients is determined by (1) The condition of the leaf surface, in particular the waxy cuticle. The cuticle is only partially permeable to water and dissolved nutrients and, as a result, it can limit nutrient uptake.
(2) The length of time the nutrient remains dissolved in the solution on the leaf's surface. (3) diffusion, the movement of elements from a high concentration to a low concentration. For diffusion to occur, the nutrient must dissolve. and (4) The type of
formulation. Water-soluble formulations generally work better for foliar applications as they are more easily absorbed when compared to insoluble solutions. Water insoluble formulations are generally slow acting because they must dissolve before they can
be absorbed and are more applicable for soil applications.

TIMING
The best time to foliar feed is late evening to early morning. These are the times when the stomata (the small opening on the leaves) are open.

Avoid foliar spraying when –
• When the temperature above 80F.
• When the weather is hot and dry and water vapor is leaving the cells.

Foliar spray –
When the temperature is 72F or below.
• Early in the morning when the cells of the leaf are full of water and dew has collected on the foliage.
• When air temperatures and humidity both equal 135 or less.
• When air temperature is cooler than soil surface temperature.

NOTE: A biological surfactant can reduce water tension and improve the absorption rate of foliar sprays.

Where possible, the pH of a foliar spray should be between 6.2 to 7.0. To promote young plant growth a sweeter (alkaline) solution (pH 7.0) is recommended. For established growth, a more sour (acid) solution (pH 6.2) is recommended.

An effective foliar application can produce results in 2 to 6 days. A refractometer can detect results in 1 to 4 hours."

Nina: Thoughts?

Cordially,

Michael Persiano
members.aol.com/iasnob

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