Foliar feeding of potatoes: superphosphate, mineral fertilizers

Most gardeners believe that a good potato harvest can be achieved without foliar feeding. Despite the low maintenance nature of the crop, additional nutrition is still necessary.

Foliar feeding of potatoes is considered crucial for crop development. This procedure can increase yields severalfold. Before applying fertilizer, it's important to learn how to do it correctly and what dosages are considered optimal.

Description of foliar feeding

Foliar feeding involves applying fertilizer through the leaves. During active plant growth, this method is preferable because the fertilizer is absorbed immediately.

It's best to perform the procedure in the morning or evening. Dry, cloudy weather is best. Exposure to direct sunlight on the leaves can cause sunburn. It's also not recommended to perform the procedure in rainy weather, as this type of fertilizing will be ineffective.

Fertilizing before planting

All fertilizers are usually applied to the soil before planting. If this procedure is not performed, foliar feeding is used. An important feature of foliar feeding is that it is sprayed onto the plants. The nutrients penetrate through the leaves and immediately reach the root system.

Fertilizing after planting

The first foliar feeding of potatoes in open ground is done two weeks after the first shoots emerge. During this time, plants require nitrogen. Therefore, it's worth considering nitrogen-based fertilizers. Urea can be used as a fertilizer.

Complex feeding before flowering

As soon as the first flowers appear on the plants, it's time to turn your attention to mineral fertilizers. To prepare a solution, you'll need the following components:

• ammonium nitrate;
• potassium chloride;
• superphosphate;
• copper sulfate.

All ingredients should be diluted in water and left to steep for three hours. Then, add another liter of water and begin working. Spray the plants with the resulting mixture. This procedure will accelerate crop growth and protect them from fungal diseases.

Fertilizing during the growing season

Foliar feeding of potatoes during the growing season is considered essential. It helps to provide the plants with nutrients, resulting in tasty, large fruits.

The procedure must be carried out in 2 stages:

1. Tuber formation period. Fertilize with manganese and bromine. Manganese is responsible for the flavor of the roots, while bromine protects the tubers from developing cavities. Mag-Bor has proven itself to be an excellent fertilizer. It can be purchased at a specialty store.
2. Thirty days before harvest. Phosphorus should be used as a fertilizer. Superphosphate is especially important. Fertilizing is very simple: just sprinkle granules near the bushes.

Compositions and dosages of foliar feeding

When seedlings appear, potatoes should be fed with urea.

During the growing season, crops require humate feeding. You can use the ready-made product Humate +7. The product is diluted at a rate of 2 grams per 10 liters of water.

During the flowering period, Bordeaux mixture will be needed. It's best to choose products containing copper sulfate. Spraying with such products will protect crops from pests and ensure adequate nutrition for root vegetables.

Mineral fertilizers for feeding

Mineral fertilizers for foliar feeding of potatoes are also very popular. The following formulations are considered the most effective:

• Nitrogen and potassium. To make the solution, take 5 liters of water, 100 grams of urea, 150 grams of monophosphate, and 5 grams of boric acid. You can also add boron, zinc, and cobalt. These components are taken at a rate of 0.5 grams per 5 liters of water.

• PhosphorusTo increase yield and improve the taste of root crops, apply phosphorus fertilizer. To prepare the solution, dilute 20 grams of fertilizer in 10 liters of water. Let the solution sit for 2 days.

Fertilizing with superphosphate

Phosphorus is essential for normal plant development. However, it's still best to apply fertilizer in a comprehensive manner. Experienced gardeners recommend the following composition: a bucket of water, 15 grams of ammonium nitrate, 30 grams of urea, 150 grams of superphosphate, and 50 grams of potassium sulfate.

Reviews

Anastasia, 38 years old:

"I applied foliar fertilizer to my potatoes with superphosphate. The results were amazing, and I was very pleased with the harvest. Plus, applying the fertilizer is very easy. Just dilute the necessary components in water and spray the crops. It's important to choose dry weather for this procedure. Otherwise, you can't expect any positive results."

Victor, 36 years old:

"I believe that potatoes, like all other crops, need additional nutrition. For this purpose, I use foliar feeding. However, these treatments must be carried out promptly and with the correct dosage."

Foliar feeding is very effective. Many gardeners use it to increase yields and preserve the integrity of their fruits. This results in a bountiful harvest.