UPTAKE Foliar Blends

UPTAKE
Foliar Fertiliser

Granular fertilisers applied to the soil are vulnerable to loss, especially under New Zealand’s wet conditions. Heavy rainfall or irrigation can wash nitrogen (especially nitrate forms) below the root zone – a process known as leaching. This not only wastes nutrients but also contributes to waterway contamination and nitrate pollution.

In contrast, UPTAKE’s Foliar Fertiliser bypasses the soil entirely by applying nutrients directly to the leaf surface, where they are rapidly absorbed into the plant’s vascular system. This makes them ideal during critical growth stages or when soil conditions limit root uptake.

UPTAKE’S Foliar Fertiliser allows for:

  • Fast-acting nutrition moving quickly into the plant, delivering results when timing is critical.

  • Targeted correction without needing a full soil treatment.

  • Support during stress, helping plants recover from drought, waterlogging, or disease pressure.

  • Lower application rates can achieve noticeable improvements, reducing waste and cost.

Higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)

When nitrogen is applied as a foliar spray, it's absorbed directly through the leaf surface and quickly enters the plant's metabolic processes. Studies and field trials show that foliar-applied nitrogen has a much higher uptake efficiency, often over 90%, compared to 30 - 50% for granular urea in wet or compacted soils.

This means:

  • You can apply lower total nitrogen rates while achieving the same (or better) crop response

  • There’s less residual nitrogen left in the system, reducing the risk of environmental harm

UPTAKE Foliar Products:

  • High nitrogen formulation for rapid vegetative growth which delivers high quality trace minerals Fast 4 Foliar PDF

  • Boost production with nitrogen, sulphur, humates and natural seaweed kelp. Boost 30 NS+ PDF

  • Tailored solutions for your crop or pasture. Call us today to discuss 0800 UPTAKE

UPTAKE Foliar ingredients may include:

Nitrogen
Phosphate
Potassium
Sulphur
Magnesium
Sodium
Copper
Boron
Zinc
Cobalt
Selenium

We only use high-quality chelated* trace elements, as they assimilate and translocate in plants more readily. A balanced blend of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S), trace elements, natural seaweed and humates ensures the best possible result.

*Chelated Trace Elements:

Chelated trace elements are minerals that have been chemically bound (or “attached”) to organic molecules, such as amino acids or organic acids, to form a stable complex.

This “chelating” process protects the mineral from reacting with other compounds in the soil, feed, or digestive system. As a result, the trace element remains more soluble, stable, and available for absorption by plants or animals.

Benefits of UPTAKE Foliar:

  • Foliar fertilisers bypass soil limitations by feeding nutrients directly through the leaf. This results in rapid absorption, especially crucial during key growth stages or when root uptake is limited.

  • Our balanced foliar blends support stronger stems, greener foliage, and improved resistance to disease, drought, and environmental stress.

  • Give your crops a growth edge. Foliar nutrition enhances photosynthesis, supports flowering and fruiting, and can result in higher, more uniform yields across your farm.

  • Low application rates with high efficiency. Reduce fertiliser waste and optimise your nutrition strategy with precision foliar feeding.

  • Designed to be tank-mix compatible, UPTAKE Foliar products integrate easily with your existing spray program – saving you time and effort in the field. Simply supply our factory with a sample of your product and we will run a bench test to make sure it is compatible with UPTAKE.

  • Foliar fertilisers allow for precision-timed applications, targeting specific crop growth stages. This improves both yield and quality. For arable and cropping farms, this also means:

    • Fewer inputs, lower costs

    • Easier compliance with nutrient management rules (e.g. in regional councils like Canterbury or Waikato)

    • Better alignment with New Zealand’s Essential Freshwater regulations

  • Our ingredients are chelated, meaning they:

    • Are more readily absorbed by plants

    • Move efficiently within the plant

    • Provide quicker visible results

    • Reduce nutrient loss and run off

    That means you’re feeding the plant right where and when it counts. Stable - Soluble - Available for uptake

A vast green rice field with a traditional wooden hut and trees in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

UPTAKE Foliar application:

UPTAKE Foliar Fertilisers are carefully pre-made in the UPTAKE factory, using high-quality chelated trace elements and natural seaweed humates to ensure the best possible result.

They are supplied in 20L, 200L, and 1000L IBCs, delivered to your door, ready for application.

This product is a direct plant feeder that can be sprayed onto pasture in true ‘do-it-yourself’ style or mixed in with other spray programmes. The advantage with Foliar products is that you can mix and spray. If you don’t have a spray unit or the job is a little too big, UPTAKE can arrange drone and helicopter application.

UPTAKE Foliar enhances existing granular fertiliser applications, increases biological activity, delivering nutrients in a cost-effective, powerful and immediate way.

It is environmentally friendly and can extend the pasture growth season.

Don’t take our word for it.

Hear it from UPTAKE farmers:

Testimonial — Les Rolands, Sheep and Beef Farmer, Taihape

For more than 30 years, Les Rolands has partnered with Uptake Fertiliser to steadily improve the health and performance of his sheep and beef farm in Taihape. His approach to farming is practical, balanced, and focused on building long-term soil health.

“We use Uptake’s suspension fertilisers to introduce trace elements and stimulants into the organic material we’re trying to grow on the farm,” says Les. “It’s all part of an incremental process — improving the soil step by step.”

Les combines Uptake’s suspension system with granular fertiliser as part of his wider nutrient management plan. This integrated approach allows him to target both immediate nutrient needs and long-term soil development.

“The suspension is a key part of our overall fertiliser plan,” Les explains. “It complements the granular fertiliser really well — helping us get the trace elements and biological stimulants into the soil where they can do the most good.”

After more than three decades working alongside Uptake, Les values the partnership and consistent results.

“It’s been a long journey with Uptake, and a successful one. Their products and advice have helped us build better soil and stronger pasture — year after year.”

Discover the UPTAKE difference.

See what your land actually needs. Book your soil test today.

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