Late in the season there is an opportunity to replace key nutrients that are removed with the harvest and to support the plant as it prepares for winter. Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium will support the late season production and storage of carbohydrates; the plant’s natural anti-freeze and winter food supply. Fall foliar applications of Boron and Zinc will ensure that these nutrients are present in the spring when they are needed for bud break and early season leaf development when soils tend to be wetter and cooler, inhibiting nutrient uptake through the root system.
The most common approach to late season foliar nutrition is to make applications postharvest, while the leaves are still viable. However, in the case of commercial cranberry bogs, postharvest foliar nutrient applications may be hindered by damaged leaves and water logged bogs. Since successful foliar nutrient applications rely on functional leaves for uptake it may be more practical in certain circumstance to make late season nutrient applications just prior to the beginning of the harvest season.
The right form of nutrient ensures rapid, complete foliar uptake and better results. TigerClaw dextrose and lactose encased plant nutrients are rapidly absorbed and transported across cell membranes making them ideal foliar nutrient products. The following would be a consistent, high performance cranberry late season foliar nutrient program:
- Agro-K TopSet (9% B and 0.5% Mo) at 0.5 L/acre
- Agro-K Zinc D.L. 10% at 1.5 - 2.0 L/acre
- Agro-K Magnesium D.L. 3% at 1 L/acre
- 3-18-18 or equivalent at 2 L/acre