fertilizing - folage (forum)

Damian starts with ...
Hi all,

I have read fertilizing via folage spray is an alternative method to the traditional method of applying it to the ground. Does it actually work? There's also a product called anti rot which is applied as a folage spray, and supposedly it travels to the roots to attach the root rot problem, does this work?

Also any advise on the "best" fertilizer to use for Tropical fruit trees? The stuff I see at bunnings are usually labelled as "citrus and fruit trees", does "fruit trees" cover tropicals? I am trying fish emulsion but is too early to tell if it's any good. I have tried manure but read it's nitrogen goodies are very low and large quantities will be required. I also don't think it's good value for money as it seems much of it seems to be soil mixed with the "poo", I guess the farmers profit more that way by including soil as "poo". Can any one suggest a fertilizer suitable for tropicals which actually works and is good value for money? I am not an organics hippy so anything artificial, works, and value for money will do.

Thanks.


Damian

Time: 4th October 2008 6:33pm

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MikeB says...
Foliar (Folage) feeding can be done via any number of liquid fertilizers. One that my old Dad used to make was to take 6 to 12 dried cow pats and suspend then in an onion bag in a 44 gallon drum 3/4 full of water. Leave for about 10 days and give it a stir now and then. You will have a light brownish looking tea which you can put on your plants via a watering can and it will do the same thing as buying one ready made. It is an excellent soil conditioner as well. The sludge in the bottom of the drum is an excellent additive for a compost heap. Foliar fertilizing isn't terribly effective unless you use a pressure sprayer and do both sides of the leaves.

Tropical plants shoudn't need any special foods. The old blood and bone works a treat as does just about any slow release complete fetilizer. Just put it around the tree at the drip line for a more effective take up by the tree. in a high rainfall area you may need extra trace elements and minerals as these are quickly leeched out of the soil by rain.

Time: 5th October 2008 5:00pm

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