How does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer usage rates compare to soil applied fertilizer?
The recommended rate (pounds) per acre of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is much lower than other commercial soil applied fertilizers. This is because the two products do very different things. Commercial soil applied fertilizer is fertilizing the soil. The goal is to repair the soil (nitrogen phosphorus, potash, etc.) imbalance. Once the soil imbalance is repaired, the soil will have more nutrients to provide the crop. Once the crop is harvested, the soil is once again depleted. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is bypassing the soil, regardless of its deficiency and providing the nutrition directly to the crop. With this process, the crop requires and pulls a smaller amount of nutrients from the soil. Many independent and University studies have estimated that a pound of nitrogen in a foliar form is 10-15 times more effective than soil applied (commercial) fertilizer. Studies have also found that a pound of phosphorus and potash in a foliar form to be 20 times more effective than soil applied fertilizer.
In a recent Bermuda grass study conducted by Texas Agrilife A&M, 37 lbs. per acre of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer was compared to 475 lbs. of 30-0-20 (commercial granular) and to 2 tons of chicken litter. The 37 lbs. of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer produced as much hay/tonnage as 475 lbs. of 30-0-20 (within 60 lbs.) and produced 2142-pound more than chicken litter. For the complete study, please visit our Research page.
For those who are unfamiliar with foliar fertilizer, we refer them to an herbicide analogy: Most liquid herbicide is foliar. Foliar herbicides such as 2-4D, GrazonNxt, and Round Up (to name a few) often require 1-2 pints per acre. At this rate, these products are very successful. The same products in a granular form would require 150-250 lbs. per acre to achieve the same success. The foliar version of an herbicide is more effective (1-2 pints vs. 150-250 lbs.) because it bypasses the soil. Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for precise application instruction.
What crops can I use foliar fertilizer on?
Almost all.
Should foliar fertilizer only be used on certain crops?
Most plants and crops with a leaf can absorb nutrients through the foliage. Some plants may be easier than others due to the wax surface on their leaf.
When should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer applications are most effective in the mornings and evenings. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer should be applied when your field or pasture has a good stand of grass or the crop has started to develop its leaf. This is because Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is absorbed through the leaf.
Example:
If you have a good stand of ryegrass in April and apply Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer, the ryegrass will benefit greatly but not your Bermuda grass. This is because the Bermuda must have a good stand to absorb the fertilizer.
At what rate should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied?
Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for specific application rates.
The most common application rate is one 25lb bag per 2 acres. This rate is designed for general crop development and hay production. Do not apply 1 bag per acre – This can be too much nitrogen to absorb in one application and might burn your crop. If a stronger rate is desired, we recommend applying the standard rate once and then a second time in 10-12 days.
Should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied before or after rain?
Foliar products like Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer (and herbicides) will be absorbed and begin working immediately without rain. It is recommended that Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer have 12-24 hours to be absorbed before rain or irrigation. Rain or irrigation immediately after foliar application can result in product washing of the leaf. After foliar application, Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer (and herbicides) will accelerate in absorption and effectiveness once rain is received.
Can Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied in dry conditions?
It is important to identify the stress level and health of the plant before making foliar applications in hot and dry conditions. Foliar applications are usually more effective 24-72 hours before rain. However, in dry conditions, foliar application may be more effective 24 hours after rain. This allows the plant to recover from its stressful stage and improve its health before absorbing foliar nutrients. Do not apply Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer to drought stressed (yellow or discolored) plants.
Consult a Regional Sales Manager before applications in drought type conditions.
Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer require surfactant or sticker when applied?
No. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is absorbed quickly (15-30 minutes) and easily into the leaf without any sticker or wetting agent. However, in certain conditions, surfactant may be beneficial.
What happens if I significantly reduce or increase the rate of water per acre?
Foliar products are very effective when applied in a mist (fine water droplets) at a rate of 10-15 gallons of water per acre. This rate can be slightly increased or decreased depending on the sprayer and tips. As a general rule, foliar applications at 20-30 gallons of water per acre will result in excess runoff from the leaf. Applications ranging from 5-8 gallons of water per acre may not have sufficient leaf coverage.
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