Uptake of mineral nutrients from foliar fertilization [Review]

The aim of this paper is to review the current knowledge on the uptake of mineral nutrients from foliar fertilization. Despite many studies carried out on mineral nutrient absorption by leaf tissues, many aspects of foliar fertilization are still unknown. At present, it is believed that such fertilization of plants is a valuable complement to the application of nutrients to the soil. Foliar fertilization is most effective when soil nutrient availability is low, topsoil dry, and root activity during the reproductive stage is decreased. Foliar fertilization is also successful in increasing content of fruit Ca and cereal grain protein. It is proposed that this treatment should be recommended in the integrated plant production because it is environment friendly and increases productivity and yield quality. In the present paper, the penetration of mineral nutrients through the surface leaf layers and their uptake across the plasma membrane of the epidermal cells are discussed. In addition, environmental factors, aspects of plant biology and spray solution properties having a crucial effect on the efficiency of foliar fertilization, are presented.