How to use EM for foliar feeding

Plants can be fed through their leaves. At certain times of the day the stoma are open. Farmers often take advantage of this and will apply fertilizers at a light dilution to give a boost to their plants. EM-1/EM-A or EM-5 can be applied the same way.

To be efficient and to avoid crop damage, very diluted solutions of EM-1/EM-A, EM-5, and other nutrient teas and organic compound formulations are applied. The quality of the water used for mixing, making EM-A, and spraying will have a proportional impact on the effectiveness of the feeding.

Foliar fertilizing is often attempted without clear objectives; this should not be a haphazard approach. There are several methods for determining need, potential benefits, and specific materials to apply for desired results. These methods range from conventional analytical approaches to some that are best described as metaphysical.

Organic tea generations from compost, vermiculture, or EM Bokashi can be accomplished as well and used for foliar feeding. A great number of tea generators or extractors are on the market, as well as on-farm/backyard engineered units. Since all compost, vermiculture, or EM Bokashi are NOT created equal, it is important to know the source and quality of the materials.

Best results are achieved when foliar sprays are finely atomised with a drifting mist.

How much to spray:

Depending on the type of vegetable, spray at least once a week onto the moist leaves.

When to foliar spray:

• Some of the most effective foliar feeding is done late in the evening or in the early dawn, when temperatures are mild and wind is minimal.
• When wind is minimal, finely atomised sprays drift readily.
• Absorption is further enhanced when weather conditions are humid and moist. The presence of dew on the leaves facilitates foliar feeding.
• Absorption is improved when sprays also reach and coat the undersides of leaves where the majority of the plant's stomatas are located.

When NOT to foliar spray:

• When the air temperature is 26ºC or higher, absorption is very poor because plants stomata are closed.
• When the readings of the air temperature and the humidity are added together and equal 80 or higher.
• Avoid spraying during the height of solar indexing (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM)

For Best Results:

• Be certain to read all product labels and do test jars if uncertain.
• A surfactant added to the solution decreases surface tension on the leaf and facilitates absorption.
• Take note of possible physical/chemical interactions among different compounds.
• When addition of molasses is called for, it should be the very last item added into the mixture just prior to foliar feeding.

Assessing the results:

Within as little as four hours of day light after the foliar application the progress of the plants can be checked with a refractometer in a relatively simple process. Begin by extracting a sample of sap from several of the crop plants before foliar applications. By testing several possible blends using several spray bottles, you can determine the best blend to use. Then follow the instructions below:

• Squeeze the leaves or stems with a garlic press or some other tool
• Place the extracted sap in the refractometer to measure and record the reading.
• Use a spray bottle to mist a small sample of foliar spray blend onto the plants.
• After a short time, extract and measure another sap sample.
• If the Brix has increased, apply foliar feeding with that specific blend.
• A "placebo" spray of distilled water should be tested at the same time to discount any changes