Optima Leaf-NPK+ is a liquid NPK foliar fertilizer enriched with trace elements, amino acids, fulvic acids, and seaweed extract. The nutrients in Optima Leaf-NPK+ improve growth and reduce sensitivity to abiotic stress.
Optima Leaf-NPK+ contains, among other things, high levels of phosphate and seaweed extract, two components that work synergistically on root growth and activity. Applying Optima Leaf-NPK+ allows the crop to better utilize the fertilizers applied to the soil, even under less favorable soil and climate conditions.
- Complete foliar fertilizer with a broad spectrum of main and trace elements
- Stimulates the plants in the most important growth and development phases
- Ensures more growth and stronger crops
- Improves yield and quality
- Available in 10, 300 and 1000 litre packs
Support in crucial growth phases
Much of yield is determined during crucial growth phases, such as root development, tillering, flowering, and fruit set. An imbalance in nutrient uptake (e.g., too much nitrogen relative to trace elements), or abiotic stress during flowering or fruit set, directly impacts the final yield and quality. Optima Leaf NPK+, with its unique formulation, provides plants with additional energy during these growth phases. This reduces the impact of various forms of abiotic stress, such as cold, heat, drought, and the phytotoxin from herbicides.
More efficient than spreading
When a nutrient deficiency threatens or becomes apparent, people often turn to topdressing to replenish it. However, much of this is not absorbed by the plants due to factors like drought and leaching, which we are increasingly experiencing due to more extreme weather conditions. Foliar fertilization is more efficient in these situations, especially with products that have a high absorption efficiency, such as Optima Leaf-NPK+. Foliar fertilization can also be an attractive option in situations where, for other reasons, such as regulations, less fertilizer can be applied or when soil absorption is limited. This provides the crop with direct nutrition.
Why the "+"?
The "+" in Optima Leaf-NPK+ represents the addition of trace elements as a supplement to the other nutrients. These prevent one-sided fertilization and demonstrably increase the product's effectiveness. Our test results show that trace elements are only needed in very small quantities. They are absorbed very efficiently through the leaves when applied not as salts, but in a plant-friendly complexed form. This allows for better absorption with only a small amount compared to a standard complexed form. Products with a "+" therefore have exceptionally high absorption efficiency.
The effective solution for phosphate deficiency
In 2022, Soiltech tested the effectiveness of Optima Leaf NPK+ under phosphate-deficient conditions in corn. Two 4-liter sprays of Optima Leaf NPK+ resulted in a 6.5% increase in growth under phosphate deficiency (25% P). Without phosphate deficiency (100% P), growth increased by 2.9%.
Tested safe
In 2021, we subjected Optima Leaf-NPK+ to a rigorous safety test in our R&D greenhouse to ensure its safety for crops. We also compared our product with other similar products on the market. The conclusion was that Optima Leaf-NPK+ is completely safe for crops, both at the recommended dose and at three times the recommended dose. We did observe crop damage with other products.
Wheat: additional yield + 3,4%
In a field trial at Watervliet (Belgium), we tested Optima Leaf-NPK+ in wheat, with a single application of 4 l/ha during the 2020-2021 season. The result was a 3.4% increase in yield compared to standard practice. In addition to this increased yield, a higher protein content was also observed.
Potato: additional yield + 6%
In a 2020 field test, we applied 2 l/ha of Opitma Leaf-NPK+ to French fry potatoes three times a year, also in Watervliet, Belgium. This resulted in a yield increase of over 6% in sizes 50 mm and up compared to standard practice.
Leek: a plus for yield and quality
Optima Leaf-NPK+ also proves its value in field-grown vegetables. In 2020, we tested it in leeks at the Vegetable Cultivation Research Centre in Kruishoutem, Belgium. Two doses of 4 l/ha were applied as foliar sprays, with an interval of 14 days. This resulted in a 1.9% higher total yield. Quality also improved with Optima Leaf-NPK+: the percentage of Flandria class increased from 83.9% to 85.5%.
Composition
Nitrogen (N) total | 78,0 g/kg |
| Nitrogen (N) urea | 43,0 g/kg |
Nitrogen (N) organic | 4,0 g/kg |
Nitrogen (N) ammonia | 31,0 g/kg |
Phosphate (P2O5)* | 165,0 g/kg |
Potassium (K2O)* | 90,0 g/kg |
| Boron (B)* | 0,2 g/kg |
| Copper (Cu)* | 0,11 g/kg |
Iron (Fe)* | 1,0 g/kg |
| Molybdenum (Mo)* | 0,02 g/kg |
Zinc (Zn)* | 0,44 g/kg |
Fulvic acid | 3,4 g/kg |
Density | 1,3 kg/l |
pH | 7,0 – 8,0 |
Appearance | Bruine vloeistof |
*= water soluble |
Dosage
Foliar application (maximum concentration 1:50)
Arable crops:
2-5 liter per hectare.
Apply 2 to 5 times during leaf development.
Fruit cultivation:
3-5 liter per hectare.
Apply 2 to 6 times during leaf development.
Pastures:
3-5 liter per hectare.
Apply 1 to 2 times during growth.
Tree nursery:
3-5 liter per hectare.
Apply 2 to 6 times during leaf development.
Ornamental crops:
3-5 liter per hectare.
Apply 5 to 10 times during leaf development.
Vegetable crops:
3-5 liter per hectare.
Apply 2 to 6 times during leaf development.
Instructions for use
- Shake or stir well before use.
- Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
This product has been tested and can be stored safely at temperatures from 5°C to 25°C. Crystallisation and/or sedimentation may occur below 5°C. - Apply under suitable spraying conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, wind speed). Do not treat if the temperature is >25°C or if it might rise to >25°C in the hours after application. Preferably perform the treatment at the end of the day. Do not apply product close to harvesting.
- Note: Do not exceed the maximum concentration of 1L product on 50L spray solution. Do not apply foliar treatment to seedlings less than 15cm tall.
- Miscibility and/or efficacy cannot be guaranteed when combined with any other agent. Before mixing, it is recommended to perform a test on a small scale.
- Do not mix with other products in pure, undiluted form. Not compatible with products containing calcium.
- We recommend carrying out a trial application on a small area first, before applying to the entire plot.
- The shelf life of the product is stated on the label. As long as the guidelines for storage are followed the expiry date (BB) on the label is guaranteed.
