Foliar Fertilization: A Potential Strategy for Improving Plant Salt Tolerance

Abstract

Soil salinity is a significant abiotic stressor that inhibits agricultural productivity globally. Researchers have been trying for a long to apply fertilizers to crops growing on salt affected soils so as to achieve improved crop growth. Although a variety of techniques are in vogue to apply fertilizers, foliar fertilization, which may provide plants with necessary nutrients directly through their leaves, is a potential technique for improving plant salt tolerance. This review outlines recent developments in the field of foliar fertilization for increased salt tolerance. We particularly examine the processes that increase plant salt tolerance by foliar fertilization, as well as the problems and possibilities connected with this technique. We also discuss the commercial foliar fertilizers that have been evaluated for salt tolerance improvement and up to what extent they are receptive by the farming community for the widespread use of this approach of nutrient supplementation. A range of fertilization strategies, including foliar supplementation, and soil-based methods, with a particular emphasis on essential nutrients applied through foliage, is discussed at length. Moreover, we also underline the necessity for more studies to enhance nutrient composition, absorption efficiency, and administration strategies. Thus, foliar fertilization has the potential to become a commonly used strategy for boosting crop productivity in salty conditions.

Keywords:

• Essential mineral nutrients
• foliar fertilization
• plant growth
• salt tolerance enhancement
• soil salinity
• yield improvement

Acknowledgements

The authors express gratitude to Harran University for providing access to digital resources.

Authors contributions

Both authors collaboratively conceived and structured the manuscript; CK drafted the initial version, while MA critically evaluated, edited, and refined the content.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).