Understanding Foliar Fertilisation In Turf Management

Foliar fertilisation refers to applying nutrients directly to the leaf surface as a pathway for uptake. The method isn’t new, but its use has become more refined in the last decade as turf managers look for faster, more consistent responses especially on surfaces where precision, colour, and uniformity matter. Modern formulations and improved spraying practices have also made foliar nutrition a more efficient and predictable tool across golf, sportsfields, and oversown surfaces.

Reasons for foliar fertilising turf

Foliar feeding is effective because the leaf absorbs nutrients quickly and efficiently, bypassing the variability of the soil pathway. Research shows that foliar nitrogen can be taken up within an hour and almost fully utilised within a few hours. This allows managers to maintain tight control over colour and growth, especially where soils struggle to hold granular fertilisers.

However, this efficiency also increases burn risk if rates are pushed too high. The leaf can only absorb nutrients at the rate allowed by physical pore size and biochemical processes. Working within these natural limits is what makes foliar feeding both powerful and safe.

While foliar pathways excel at precision and speed, granular fertilisers still remain important for building longer-term nutrient reserves especially on fairways and sportsfields.

The foliar philosophy in greens

Greens demand consistency consistent colour, density, growth rate and surface behaviour. Foliar feeding naturally fits this requirement because it avoids the peaks and troughs associated with soil-applied nitrogen. Smaller, frequent foliar doses allow managers to maintain tight control over growth, align with trinexapac programs, and avoid nutrient losses from sandy profiles.

Soil-applied products still matter, but the root pathway is slower and more variable. For larger quantities or longer nutrient availability, granular nutrition is still the preferred option but not necessarily the primary one for greens.

The philosophy extension on sportsfields that is relevant back to over-sown fairways and surrounds

High-end sportsfields increasingly resemble greens in construction and expectations. Sandy profiles struggle to hold granular fertiliser, and oversown fine-leaf grasses respond quickly to foliar treatments. Because these surfaces are judged heavily on presentation, foliar programs help maintain colour, density and performance especially during high-use periods.

Oversown fairways and surrounds experience many of the same demands as elite sportsfields, making foliar nutrition a logical extension. The “small dose, applied often” philosophy keeps growth uniform and helps manage transitions between warm- and cool-season grasses.

Pressure for the efficient use of fertilisers

Nutrient efficiency is becoming more important across turf management. Modern nitrogen technologies focus on getting more nitrogen used rather than lost. Foliar feeding aligns well with this because uptake is extremely fast up to 50% within an hour and close to full utilisation within a few hours.

However, efficiency comes with boundaries. The leaf can only absorb at a rate nature allows. Excessive rates increase burn risk, meaning foliar programs must work within natural limits, not against them. Understanding molecule size, pore behaviour and biochemical steps helps turf managers apply safely and effectively.

How Nuturf can help you

The FoliMAX range from Nuturf is a diverse family of liquid products developed to cater for the broad range of issues our local turf managers encounter. There are both root and foliar applied products within the range – but some of the foliar applied options are absolute stand out performers enjoying a growing fan base as more adopters see the benefits. From ammonium stabilised formulations to high potassium replenishment tools, iron + combinations that deliver beautiful color and presentation to seaweeds and kelps, silica and trace element options they are all there. The range is generous and high quality produced with modern turf management methods front of mind.

Easy to use and reliable there is sure to be an option that can help you and your site. Enquire with your local Nuturf representative today about the full FoliMAX range.