Evaluating Leaf Wettability and Salt Hygroscopicity as Drivers for Foliar Absorption
Neriman Tuba Barlas1, Héctor Alejandro Bahamonde2, Carlos Pimentel3
1Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Türkiye.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Leaf wettability significantly impacts foliar magnesium (Mg) absorption, even with surfactants. Plant leaf surface properties are crucial for effective Mg foliar uptake and nutrient delivery.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Soil Science
Background:
- Foliar nutrient application is a key strategy for crop nutrition.
- The absorption of nutrients like magnesium (Mg) through leaves can be influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the interaction between fertilizer properties and plant leaf characteristics is essential for optimizing nutrient uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the foliar absorption rate of magnesium salts with varying physical properties (deliquescence and efflorescence relative humidity).
- To assess the role of plant leaf wettability in the foliar absorption of magnesium.
- To evaluate the impact of different magnesium salt formulations on nutrient uptake in model plants.
Main Methods:
- Greenhouse pot experiment using lettuce, broccoli, and leek with differing leaf wettability.
- Application of foliar sprays containing 100 mM Mg from different salts (MgCl2, Mg(NO3)2, MgSO4) with a 0.1% surfactant.
- Measurement of leaf Mg concentrations at 1 and 7 days post-application.
- Assessment of leaf wettability, surface free energy, and spray deposit appearance.
Main Results:
- Leaf wettability was identified as a major factor influencing foliar Mg absorption, overriding the effect of surfactants.
- Significant foliar Mg absorption was detected, particularly in lettuce, which has highly wettable leaves.
- Differences in Mg absorption were observed among the plant species, correlating with their leaf surface properties.
Conclusions:
- Plant leaf wettability is a critical determinant of foliar magnesium absorption efficiency.
- Surfactants in foliar sprays may not fully compensate for differences in leaf surface properties regarding Mg uptake.
- Optimizing foliar Mg application requires consideration of both the fertilizer's physical characteristics and the plant's leaf surface attributes.
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