Chandler Foliar

The basics of photosynthesis

During the growing season, plants absorb sunlight and use this energy to form plant sugars through the photosynthesis process.  The sugars are formed by taking carbon from absorbed carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen from water taken up by the plant, and the sugars are used to create starch in the grain plus cellulose, lignin, and other structural components of the crop biomass.  Also, the process frees oxygen, which is released to the atmosphere by the plant.

Nutrients and enzymes in photosynthesis

The photosynthesis process is controlled by enzymes.  In particular, CO2 is initially processed by a particular enzyme known as RuBisCO, and other specialized enzymes regulate all of the other processes related to plant life.  To form each enzyme, plants require the presence of an associated micronutrient like boron, copper, or manganese.  These micronutrients are like keys that are required to start the enzyme formation process.

Nutrients are also required to form other biochemicals that are necessary for plant life.  For example, nitrogen is required to form amino acids, enzymes, and other biological compounds in the cell structure of plants. Also, chlorophyll absorbs the solar energy through the plant leaves.  Chlorophyll does not contain iron (Fe), but iron is required to create chlorophyll.  Thus, deficiencies of key nutrients may limit photosynthesis activity and reduce crop yield potential.

Factors that influence nutrient availability

Some soils are more likely to exhibit micronutrient deficiencies due to their particular structure and chemistry.  For example, poorly drained soils tend to be deficient in iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn).  In general, micronutrients tend to become more available as soil organic matter increases, but copper (Cu) is less available as organic matter rises.  Soil pH also matters, and the optimal range for most micronutrients is between 6 and 7. Finally, soil temperature affects nutrient availability (including micronutrients) and also the photosynthesis process.  The peak availability for most soil nutrients occurs between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

How does Foliar enhance photosynthesis?

Chandler Foliar includes several ingredients that enhance photosynthesis, nutrient utilization, plant health, and yield. The product is designed to help the plant make full use of the nutrients absorbed by the plant, and the resulting boost to photosynthesis generates higher plant sugar. If plants produce 10 percent (10 brix) or more of plant sugar in the sap, then very few insects will be able to feed on these plants. As well, Chandler Foliar encourages more vegetative and reproductive growth, better yields, and improved test weight if applied as recommended.

Enzymes and amino acids

Chandler Foliar provides proteins and other building blocks for amino acids and enzymes. The product helps the plant to produce these key biological compounds throughout the growing season.

Nitrogen and micronutrients

If nitrogen or a key micronutrient is missing, then enzyme formation is restricted and plant growth and development is slowed. To prevent these deficiencies, Chandler Foliar includes small amounts of available nitrogen and micronutrients. These quantities are not enough to meet the full nutrient needs of the plant, but these amounts make sure that enzyme formation and other important biological processes happen in a timely fashion. The micronutrients included in the product are boron, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sulfur, and zinc. We also have Chandler Organic, which is an organic version of Chandler Foliar that has less nitrogen and fully organic contents.

Plant growth hormones

The plant growth hormones included in Chandler Foliar encourage cell division and elongation that leads to larger plant structure, more kernels, improved test weight, and higher yields. The recommended application timings for particular crops coincide with important plant growth stages that build plant structure and yield.

Humic-fulvic acids

The fulvic acid component of humic acid bonds with micronutrients and other compounds in foliar sprays. These molecules are small enough to carry these components through the leaf pores and into the plant. Chandler Foliar includes humic-fulvic acid to help transport the biological ingredients into the plant.

When should we apply Chandler Foliar?

The best timing for an application of Chandler Foliar depends on the particular crop. The following table lists the timing information for the most common types of crops.

Chandler Foliar may be applied with other foliar treatments like liquid fertilizer, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. You should always use a jar-test to ensure tank-mix compatibility prior to spraying, and we also recommend that you add Chandler Foliar to the tank after diluting all other products in water.

What does it cost to apply Chandler Foliar?

The following cost estimates are based on Chandler Foliar purchased at full retail price for a gallon jug ($152) and at full seasonal discount for a 275-gallon tote ($115).

For crops with more than one application timing (e.g., soybeans or hay), you can split the Chandler Foliar application rate if you are making multiple passes during the season. For example, you could apply 5-6 ounces per acre to soybeans at the 3rd to 5th trifoliate leaf stage (V3 to V5) and another 5-6 ounces per acre at the flowering stage (VT to R2).