Foliar application of essential plant nutrients is an important tool used by professional turfgrass managers all over the world. Roots are the grass plants' primary mechanism for uptake of essential nutrients. However, the various stresses inherent in maintaining fine turfgrass at low heights present impediments to normal feeding of necessary nutrients through the roots. The golf turf manager is challenged to grow the best turfgrass at the lowest height during various periods of plant environmental stress. Foliar applications can be effectively and efficiently used to maintain the vigor, vitality and color of turfgrass during these stressful growing conditions.

Foliar feeding is a method by which essential nutrients are made available to the plant by direct contact with plant tissue other than roots. The efficiency of the process of foliar nutrition is very high because the plant is able to intercept the nutrient near the location where the nutrient will be first utilized. Adding to the efficiency of the foliar feeding is the fact that the foliar nutrient is already in solution and ready for plant uptake. Whereas granular fertilizers must be first be dissolved into the soil solution, then in most instances diffuse to contact the roots, foliar applications are efficient because these two steps are not necessary. Additionally, any fertilizer that relies on root uptake risks being chemically bonded with the elements in the soil solution. Certain of these bonds make plant use difficult or impossible.

Another advantage of foliar application is the low amount of nutrient required. The low requirement for foliar nutrients allows the turfgrass manager to use this tool to promote healthy turfgrass in a manner consistent with sound environmental practices.

The key to good foliar nutrition is to apply the needed nutrient in the correct amount, in the formula best suited to the task, at the right time properly and conscientiously applied. Almar Turf Products manufactures and distributes high quality foliar materials formulated for optimum performance. Some examples of successful ways that Almar's products have been used for decades are shown below. Select from the suggested combinations shown or design your own from Almar's array of fine turf products.