MODES OF APPLICATION
Foliar Feeding
Foliar feeding is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer directly to their leaves.[1] Plants are able to absorb essential elements through their leaves.[2] The absorption takes place through their stomata and also through their epidermis. Transport is usually faster through the stomata, but total absorption may be as great through the epidermis. Plants are also able to absorb nutrients through their bark.
Fertigation
Fertigation, as the name implies, is a process that combines fertilization and irrigation by injecting soil amendments, fertilizers, and other water-soluble products into an irrigation system. This method is especially common in horticulture and extensive agriculture. It is also used for landscaping due to the increasing reliability and simplicity of the dispenser unit. Fertigation systems add the correct amount of fertilizer according to the plants’ nutrient deficiencies.
This process reduces soil erosion, minimizes the risk of the roots contracting soil-borne diseases, reduces water consumption, reduces the amount of fertilizer used, increases the nutrients absorbed by the plants, and controls the precise time and rate of fertilizers being released.
Soil Application
This process involves direct application of the fertilizers or nutrients into the soil. The fertilizers or nutrients are mixed in a fixed proportion and the applied to the soil using various techniques like banding, broadcasting, deep soil application etc.
