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South Hero, VT

Do the stomata on young leaves facilitate foliar feeding better than old leaves?

7/3/2016 7:27:23 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Hey Steve, unless I'm using a really weak solution, I stay way from the newest growth and the growth tips just to avoid any accidental burning.

7/4/2016 5:11:49 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Sorry, doesn't really answer your question about the stomata, but I thought I'd chime in anyways.

7/4/2016 5:13:00 PM

VTSteve, all leaves have active stomata irregardless of their age. Plants 'breathe' too, but they do it through tiny openings in leaves called stomata. Stomata open and close to allow the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. It's very important that they do this, because this is the very oxygen that we ourselves need to breathe! The gas exchange that occurs when stomata are open facilitates photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into usable energy. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is taken in from the atmosphere through the stomata and oxygen is released as a waste product. Both photosynthesis and the gas exchange that powers it are essential to the plant's survival.

An unfortunate side effect of the stomata opening is that it allows for water loss. Unlike you and me, plants do not need to sweat to cool off and prefer to keep their water inside; however, because the gas exchange of photosynthesis is so vital, some water loss through stomata is necessary. This process of plant water loss is called transpiration. Michigan State University has conducted great studies on plant leaf age and nutrient uptake. Although it would appear that young leaves may be damaged more from foliar feedings this was not proven. Temperature plays a higher impact on what the stomata can accomplish through absorption, so attempt feedings in the early am and late evenings. Elements such as Phosphorous, Zinc and Iron along with seaweed based organics have shown excellent results over soil based comparisons.

7/5/2016 3:40:40 PM