Nano Fertilizers: Foliar, Soil, and Fertigation — What Works and When?

Air-blast sprayer delivering a fine foliar mist through the orchard canopy.

Most crops receive their primary and trace nutrients from the soil via roots, yet uptake often falls short when nutrients are tied up or otherwise unavailable in the root zone. To close those gaps quickly, growers now commonly turn to foliar feeding to raise tissue nutrient levels. Think of a plant like a factory. The leaves are the workshop. When we spray nano size nutrients on the leaf, we deliver food straight to the workshop, where it can be used fast. Because these particles are very small, they spread well on the leaf and can slip through tiny leaf openings. When these foliar programs use nano fertilizers—formulated for efficient leaf contact and entry—responses tend to be faster and more consistent across changing field conditions.

What happens inside the plant matches what many growers see in the field. In controlled research, foliar nano size nitrogen shifted plants into “building” mode: more pathways for making sugars, amino acids, and cell walls, and fewer signals tied to aging and stress. In plain words, the plant spent more effort growing and less effort struggling.

There is also a stewardship win. Across several crops, two foliar sprays used alongside a reduced soil-N program kept yields on track while cutting total nitrogen about 25% and lowering estimated greenhouse gas emissions compared with full conventional N. Less material in, similar harvest out, cleaner footprint.

How does this compare with other ways to use nano size fertilizers?

• Soil application (nano vs. conventional): In soil, nano size formulations are designed to release nutrients more evenly. That can better match plant demand and reduce losses compared with bulk forms that can wash or gas off. Reviews point to improved nutrient-use efficiency and a smaller environmental footprint when nano formulations are used thoughtfully.

• Fertigation (nano vs. conventional): Running nano size nutrients with irrigation allows small, steady doses right where roots are active. It’s a precise way to feed during critical growth stages and can curb waste compared with large, infrequent soil applications.

Evening foliar pass with a boom sprayer for fast leaf uptake and even coverage.

Where it fits:

• In season: foliar nano helps keep leaves working and supports fill when heat or wind squeezes growth.

• Post-harvest: a measured foliar pass helps rebuild reserves so trees and vines face winter stronger and push hard at bud break.
  

Bottom line: treat foliar nano size nutrition as a precision tool you layer into your plan. Start small, run side-by-side checks, and scale what pays. References (APA)

Dey, A., Jangir, N., Verma, D., Shekhawat, R. S., Yadav, P., & Sadhukhan, A. (2025). Foliar application of nano urea enhances vegetative growth of Arabidopsis thaliana over equimolar bulk urea through higher induction of biosynthesis genes but suppression of nitrogen uptake and senescence genes. Plant Growth Regulation, 105, 833–859. SpringerLink

Upadhyay, P. K., Dey, A., Singh, V. K., Dwivedi, B. S., Singh, T., et al. (2023). Conjoint application of nano-urea with conventional fertilizers: An energy efficient and environmentally robust approach for sustainable crop production. PLOS ONE, 18(7), e0284009. PLOS

Hu, Y., Eichert, T., Fernández, V., et al. (2023). Editorial: Factors affecting the efficacy of foliar fertilizers and implications for their efficient use in agriculture. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1130903. PMC

Kekeli, M. A., Mensah, E. T., & Asare, R. S. (2025). The role of nano-fertilizers in sustainable agriculture: A review. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 13, 1520996. PMC

Fernández, V., & Eichert, T. (2009). Uptake of hydrophilic solutes through plant leaves: Current state of knowledge and implications for foliar fertilization. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 28(1–2), 36–68.

About KAP Agro Products Based in California, KAP Organic Agro LLC (dba KAP Agro Products) is dedicated to delivering advanced nano fertilizers and crop nutrition solutions to growers across North America. Our mission is simple: help farmers achieve healthier crops, higher efficiency, and sustainable yields through science-driven innovation. In addition to crop care, we also provide natural livestock feed additives that support animal health and immunity, expanding our commitment to a more resilient and sustainable food system.