PatArizona

G'day...

Ah ha...another controversial subject...

In "the (bonsai) literature", there seems to be a significant following that supports the idea of "foliar feeding".

I, however, tend to agree with rockm who said: “…As for foliar feeding, it's a myth that it can be used effectively for much of anything other than micronutrients. Plant leaves are built for photosynthesizing, not taking up nutrients--roots evolved to do that…”.

And Bryanbay9 said: “...The list below, I believe, includes pretty decent studies. The best they conclude is that some micronutrients MIGHT be absorbed through the foliage. Even that data is equivical. Most conlcude any marginal or occasional effects are not worth the cost of application.

“http://www.specialtycrops.colostate...rtilization.htm

“http://msucares.com/pubs/researchreports/rr22-16.htm

“review article: http://ceventura.ucdavis.edu/newsle...tropics7742.pdf

“http://agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/93/6/1220

“http://www.springerlink.com/(yp0mls55lauehknp0hdcqv45)/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=parent&backto=issue,2,31;journal,21,571;linkingpublicatio nresults,1:100326,1

“http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1006/az10068e.html...”.

Furthermore, I think that adding fertilizer to the soil is more effective, less labor intensive, and less expensive.

One more thing…again I THINK that the greatest benefit you get from “foliar feeding” is from the fertilizer (spray) that reaches the soil.

Food for thought...

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.