FAQ – Foliar Nutrition: The Ilex Range
1. What is foliar nutrition?
Foliar nutrition is the practice of applying nutrients directly to plant leaves in liquid form. Unlike traditional soil fertilisation, which relies on root uptake, foliar sprays allow nutrients to be absorbed directly through leaf surfaces via stomata and cuticular pores.
Why it matters:
Plants can respond more quickly to foliar nutrition than to soil applications.
Useful for correcting immediate nutrient deficiencies, particularly micronutrients like zinc, manganese, or copper.
Supports stress management, for instance during drought, waterlogging, or rapid growth periods.
2. What is the Ilex Foliar Nutrient Range?
The Ilex Foliar Nutrient Range is a collection of high-performance, soluble nutrient formulations designed for rapid foliar uptake. Each product is formulated to provide macro- and micronutrients in a plant-available form, tailored to the needs of various arable and horticultural crops.
Key highlights:
Highly soluble — minimal residue, rapid absorption
Targeted formulations — each product is designed for specific crop needs or deficiency corrections
Compatibility — most products can be used with other compatible crop protection solutions, streamlining field operations
3. Why use foliar nutrition when soil fertilisers exist?
While soil fertilisers are essential for long-term nutrient supply, foliar nutrition provides immediate support:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rapid uptake | Nutrients enter leaves directly, bypassing soil limitations |
| Deficiency correction | Quickly corrects symptoms like yellowing, stunted growth, or poor fruit set |
| Stress mitigation | Supports plants during heat, drought, or heavy rainfall |
| Targeted delivery | Specific nutrients reach the tissues where they’re most needed |
Foliar feeds complement soil nutrition, ensuring crops receive what they need when they need it most.
4. Which nutrients are included in the Ilex range?
The Ilex range provides a variety of products targeting both macro- and micronutrient needs:
Manganese and zinc — support chlorophyll production and enzyme activity
Magnesium plus nitrogen — critical for photosynthesis and protein formation
Nitrogen feeds — promote vegetative growth and yield potential
Micronutrient blends (Mn‑Cu, Cu‑Zn) — correct deficiencies efficiently
Specialty products — Pro‑K™ for potassium, Foliar Boost™ for comprehensive micronutrient support
Example formulations in the Ilex range:
Mn SUPER™ – addresses manganese deficiency, boosts enzyme activity
Mag Plus™ – magnesium with nitrogen for photosynthesis and green growth
Fol‑oN™ – nitrogen-based foliar feed for vegetative growth
Mn‑Cu Plus™ / Cu‑Zin™ – balanced micronutrient blends for correcting specific deficiencies
Pro‑K™ – potassium for fruiting and stress resilience
Foliar Boost™ – a complete micronutrient solution for high-demand crops
5. When should foliar nutrients be applied?
Timing is critical for effectiveness:
Typical application windows:
Early growth stages – to ensure strong root and shoot development
Flowering or fruit set – when nutrient demand spikes
Onset of deficiency symptoms – yellowing leaves, weak stems, or poor fruit development
Stress conditions – drought, waterlogged soils, high temperatures, or rapid growth phases
Tip: Apply in cool, calm weather (early morning or late afternoon) to reduce evaporation and leaf scorch.
6. Are foliar nutrients suitable for all crops?
Yes. The Ilex range is designed for a wide variety of arable crops, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Cereals: correct zinc or manganese deficiencies during tillering
Fruit crops: support fruit set, size, and quality
Vegetables: prevent micronutrient deficiencies during rapid growth
Ornamentals: maintain vibrant leaf color and stress resistance
Note: Always select the formulation based on crop type and nutrient requirements. Crop-specific guidance is provided on the product label.
7. How does foliar nutrition work?
Plants absorb foliar nutrients primarily via two pathways:
Stomatal uptake – small openings on the leaf surface that allow nutrient entry
Cuticular absorption – diffusion through the leaf’s waxy surface
Key points:
Nutrients in foliar sprays are soluble and chelated to enhance uptake.
Foliar feeding is most effective on young, actively growing leaves.
Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and light influence absorption.
8. Can foliar feeds replace soil fertilisers?
No. Foliar feeding supplements but does not replace soil nutrition. It addresses short-term needs and deficiencies, while soil fertilisers provide long-term nutrient reserves essential for sustained growth.
Best practice: Combine soil and foliar nutrition for optimal crop health and yield.
9. How should foliar sprays be applied?
To maximise effectiveness:
Use even, full coverage of leaves
Avoid spraying in direct midday sun or windy conditions
Adhere strictly to recommended rates and intervals
Check for tank compatibility before mixing with other products
Equipment tip: Use a fine spray nozzle for better coverage and minimal runoff.
10. Can foliar nutrition help during stress conditions?
Absolutely. Foliar sprays provide fast-acting nutrients when root uptake is limited:
Drought stress – maintains photosynthesis and reduces yellowing
Waterlogged soils – nutrients bypass roots blocked by low oxygen
High growth demand – supports rapid leaf, flower, or fruit development
11. Are there risks or cautions when using foliar feeds?
Potential risks include:
Leaf scorch if applied in high concentrations or hot sunlight
Reduced effectiveness if sprayed during rain or heavy dew
Compatibility issues when mixed with certain pesticides
Recommendation: Always follow manufacturer guidelines, start with small test applications, and adhere to dilution rates.
12. How do I choose the right Ilex foliar product?
Identify nutrient deficiencies through visual symptoms or soil/leaf testing
Match the product to the crop’s growth stage and nutritional need
Follow label guidance on dosage, frequency, and environmental conditions
Tip: A nutrient management plan incorporating both soil and foliar feeding gives the highest return on crop yield and quality.
✅ Conclusion
The Ilex Foliar Nutrient Range is a versatile, high-performance solution for targeted nutrient delivery, supporting plant health, correcting deficiencies, and improving crop performance. When used correctly and alongside soil fertilisation, it’s a powerful tool for modern crop management.