Mount Vernon, TX 75457
Frequently Asked Questions
Is foliar fertilizer better than soil applied fertilizer?
Is foliar fertilizer cheaper than using soil applied fertilizer?
Why would I want to use foliar fertilizer?
Can foliar fertilizer damage my crops?
What are the disadvantages of using foliar fertilizer?
Should foliar fertilizer only be used on certain crops?
What crops can I use foliar fertilizer on?
If foliar fertilization is more effective, then why aren’t more people doing it?
What is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
What is the difference between Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer and commercial granular or soil applied fertilizer?
What is the difference between Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer and commercial liquid fertilizer?
What is the difference between Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer and other foliar fertilizers?
What makes Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer better than other foliar fertilizers?
Is your product organic?
What is the difference between Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer and organic fertilizer?
Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer provide micro nutrients?
How does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer usage rates compare to commercial soil applied fertilizer?
What type of grass or crop is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer designed for?
Is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer safe for animals?
When should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied?
At what rate should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied?
Can Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be used as a starter or popup fertilizer?
Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer need rain to become active?
Should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied before or after rain?
Can Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied in dry conditions?
Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer require surfactant or sticker when applied?
Can herbicide be added to Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
How do I mix Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Does water temperature affect the mixing or solubility of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Will Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer repair soil imbalances?
What happens if I significantly reduce or increase the rate of water per acre?
How much nitrogen am I putting out compared to commercial soil applied fertilizer, how much nitrogen am I getting in a bag?
How long will Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer last or remain active?
How volatile is the Nitrogen in Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Why is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer shipped in powder form rather than liquid?
What is the shelf life of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
What effect does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer have on PH Levels?
Is foliar fertilizer better than soil applied fertilizer?
It can be. It depends on the conditions you are trying to correct. Foliar fertilizer is made up of higher quality ingredients than granular and commercial liquid fertilizer. Foliar applications are the most effective way to correct nutrient deficiencies in the plant (versus the soil).
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Is foliar fertilizer cheaper than using soil applied fertilizer?
Yes it is. Although more expensive in terms of “cost per pound”, foliar fertilization is less expensive because you apply a smaller amount to achieve the same results.
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Why would I want to use foliar fertilizer?
Foliar applications are usually more affordable than granular or commercial liquid applications in terms of cost per acre.
Foliar applications are the most effective way to correct nutrient deficiencies in the plant. Once deficiencies are present and/or visible, timing is critical.
Foliar fertilizer is absorbed without rain or irrigation, thus providing nutrition more quickly to the plant and making more efficient use of the growing period.
Foliar fertilizer can be mixed with herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. Mixing foliar fertilizer with these products will often improve their efficiency, and reduce the amount of herbicide, insecticide and/or fungicide needed.
Foliar fertilizer is a more effective way of providing nutrients to the plant when the soil’s pH is off. Foliar fertilizer has a less negative impact than granular fertilizer, because the ammonium nitrate in granular and commercial liquid soil applied fertilizers increases the hydrogen in the soil thus lowering the pH.
Foliar fertilizer is more compact in terms of storage space than granular, because the application amount of foliar fertilizer is considerably less than granular. You can reduce your storage and still keep a sufficient amount on hand.
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Can foliar fertilizer damage my crops?
Foliar applications should always be made early in the morning or late in the evening.
Do not apply foliar fertilizer to drought stressed plants.
Do not apply foliar fertilizer in extreme heat.
Mixing foliar fertilizer with herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and/or adjuvants will increase plant sensitivity. This may result in burning unless rates are reduced.
Using larger amounts than the recommended rates of foliar fertilizer can burn the foliage on the plant, and can raise the tissues nutrient levels into the toxic range.
Consult your Authorized Grasshopper Fertilizer Representative, Dealer or Crop Scout before mixing chemicals, reducing rates, and for specific application instructions.
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What are the disadvantages of using foliar fertilizer?
In cases of extreme deficiency (300-500 lbs per acre) of nitrogen, phosphorus or potash, numerous foliar applications may need to be used in conjunction with soil applied fertilizer.
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Should foliar fertilizer only be used on certain crops?
Most plants and crops with a leaf can absorb nutrients through the foliage. Some plants may be easier than others due to the wax surface on their leaf.
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What crops can I use foliar fertilizer on?
If foliar fertilization is more effective, then why aren’t more people doing it?
Most of the farming population farms ‘like grandpa’. The methods change, but change very slowly. Another reason is that the major fertilizer companies in the world are structured to produce and handle commercial granular fertilizer. Granular fertilizer is inefficient. The less efficient the fertilizer, the more fertilizer is required. A more efficient fertilizer is the worst enemy of the commercial fertilizer giants.Fertilizer is also taxed at a state level by the ton. Fertilizer taxes are primarily used to support state and county agricultural departments and universities. Unfortunately, inefficient fertilizer benefits the regulating bodies as it does the large fertilizer companies.
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What is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is an industrial strength, technical grade, water soluble foliar fertilizer. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer was designed for high quality crop and hay production. Grasshopper is one of the few foliar fertilizers on the market that is 100% water soluble. All of the macro (nitrogen, phosphorus, potash) and micro nutrients are absorbed thru the leaf. As a result, activity will begin immediately without rain.
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How does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer differ from commercial granular fertilizer?
Example: A farmer applied a Granular 17-17-17 at the rate of 200 lbs per acre to a field of wheat. This application gives 34 units of nitrogen to his soil but 0 units of nitrogen to his wheat. After 2 weeks the farmer receives 0.5” – 1.0″ of rain. With this amount of moisture, his wheat might receive 0-2 units of nitrogen. With 2″- 4″ of rain, the wheat might receive 3-5 units of nitrogen, or more in some cases. According to many studies and experience, only 10-30% of a soil applied fertilizer will actually be absorbed by the root system.With Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer, the root system will absorb 100% of the nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and micronutrients within the first 24 hours of application. Depending on the blend, this will put 3-8 units of nitrogen directly into your crop without rain.
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How does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer differ from liquid fertilizer?
Grasshopper is a water soluble foliar fertilizer that is absorbed through the plant’s leaves.
Commercial liquid fertilizer is absorbed through the soil, similar to granular. Because of this, only a small percentage of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash are absorbed into the root system. In fact, 20-30% of the nitrogen can evaporate before the fertilizer has enough moisture to absorb into the soil.
Grasshopper Fertilizer Company and commercial liquid fertilizer companies both produce urea based fertilizers. In fact, some of our blends will have very similar NPK ratings. But the difference in the two products is the quality and grade.
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is a higher quality, technical grade fertilizer that is 100% water soluble. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will bond with the water to become one unit. Once mixed, Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will remain mixed and stable for any length of time. This is why Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is able to be absorbed into the leaf.
Commercial liquid fertilizer is merely a suspension – insoluble ingredients suspended in water. Once mixed, the ingredients will eventually settle at the bottom of the tank. This sediment illustrates its insolubility and the inefficiency of the fertilizer. Commercial liquid fertilizer soaks into the soil because the plant’s leaves cannot absorb it.
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How does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer differ from other foliar fertilizers?
These products can also cause major problems when they’re mixed in your tank, clogging filters and nozzles. If the product is difficult to mix, then it cannot be absorbed into your crop effectively.
These products are often sold by nurseries and organic suppliers who know very little about large scale farming and ranching.Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will mix instantly when added to water. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will not clog any filters or nozzles.
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will also be absorbed into the leaf – 100%.
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What makes Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer better than other foliar fertilizers?
ABSORPTION. 100% of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is available for absorption into the plant. Many of the foliar fertilizers on the market are actually using forms and grades of fertilizer that cannot be absorbed through the foliage. Other foliar fertilizers may only have 10-50% absorption compared to Grasshopper’s 100%.Just because a product or a company uses the word foliar, doesn’t mean the fertilizer actually absorbs into the plant. Most products currently use the term foliar because their product is sprayed out as a liquid, that doesn’t mean their product is actually formulated for actual foliar absorption.
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash and other micronutrients can be supplied through hundreds of different derivatives. Most forms of NPK and other micros are not able to be absorbed through the transcuticular pores and stomata of the plant.
MICRONUTRIENTS. All Grasshopper blends are designed with a complete micro nutrient package. Grasshopper Foliar Soluble Fertilizer has one of the largest micro packs on the market.
Other fertilizer companies offer their micro packs as a separate package. This is a significant added cost. Many of the micro packs on the market (copper, iron, zinc, etc) cannot be absorbed by the plant. They’re as useless as throwing nails and screws at your crops.
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer’s micros are also of the highest quality and have the highest absorption capability.
ROOT STIMULATORS. Grasshopper’s blends are formulated with root stimulators built in. This provides increased uptake and a far more efficient nutrient uptake from the soil. It also improves drought tolerance.
Other foliar fertilizers offer root stimulator products at an added price.
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Is your product organic?
Here are a few definitions of organic fertilizers:
Fertilizers derived from animal or vegetable waste, or minerals occurring in nature.
An organic fertilizer refers to a soil amendment derived from natural sources that
guarantees, at least, the minimum percentages of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Examples include plant and animal by-products, rock powders, seaweed,
inoculants, and conditioners.
Then there are ORGANIC FERTILIZERS approved for use by the USDA
National Organic Program (NOP). The USDA NOP, with its “USDA Organic”
label, allows for the use of only certain substances.
Most Grasshopper products are derived from natural elements which are then chemically treated for purity (many natural elements contain unwanted or toxic elements and metals) and efficiency/availability.
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What is the difference between Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer and organic fertilizer?
Grasshopper is not an Organic Fertilizer certified by the USDA NOP.
Organic fertilizers such as cow manure and chicken litter are very beneficial. Certified Organic Fertilizer is something very different. Certified organic fertilizers have very little nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash (the 3 ingredients most needed). Instead, they consist of bacteria. In fact, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash are there to assist in developing the bacteria – not your crop.
The goal of certified organic fertilizer companies is to stimulate microbial activity. Microbial activity is a process where the soil is broken down causing it to release more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash than normal. The theory is that one can continuously stimulate this process, releasing more and more of these nutrients. They often call this process ‘Building up the Soil’. The fact is that applying a certified organic fertilizer without significantly replenishing your nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash levels can be harmful. The only way to build up one’s soil is to add significant levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.
Some certified organic fertilizer companies understand this problem. These companies will recommend using their product alongside another commercial granular, soil applied fertilizer application. With the two applications combined, good results may often be achieved. The trouble is that granular is already too expensive. Producers have limited profit margins and are looking for a solution – not an additional expense for their fertilizer program.
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will not rob the soil of its nutrients. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will feed the crop directly through the leaf. When the leaf is fed directly with the proper amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash – the crop no longer pulls the same amount of nutrients from the soil. In our studies and experience, we have found that the soil’s mineral levels are maintained when using Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer. In fact, we often find that there is a larger nitrogen reserve in the soil than before.
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Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer provide micro nutrients?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer has one of the largest micro nutrient packages on the market today. Each blended bag of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is specially formulated with a high quality micro nutrient pack. Although the amounts of micro nutrients are seemingly small, they can often play the largest role in determining crop yield.
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How does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer usage rates compare to soil applied fertilizer?
The recommended rate (pounds) per acre of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is much lower than other commercial soil applied fertilizers. This is because the two products do very different things.
Commercial soil applied fertilizer is fertilizing the soil. The goal is to repair the soil (nitrogen phosphorus, potash, etc) imbalance. Once the soil imbalance is repaired, the soil will have more nutrients to provide the crop. Once the crop is harvested, the soil is once again depleted.
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is bypassing the soil, regardless of its deficiency and providing the nutrition directly to the crop. With this process, the crop requires and pulls a smaller amount of nutrients from the soil.
Many independent and University studies have estimated that a pound of nitrogen in a foliar form is 10-15 times more effective than soil applied (commercial) fertilizer. Studies have also found that a pound of phosphorus and potash in a foliar form to be 20 times more effective than soil applied fertilizer.In a recent Bermuda grass study conducted by Texas Agrilife A&M, 37 lbs per acre of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer was compared to 475 lbs of 30-0-20 (commercial granular) and to 2 tons of chicken litter. The 37 lbs of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer produced as much hay/tonnage as 475 lbs of 30-0-20 (within 60 lbs) and produced 2142 pound more than chicken litter. For the complete study, please visit our Research page.
For those who are unfamiliar with foliar fertilizer, we refer them to an herbicide analogy:
Most liquid herbicide is foliar. Foliar herbicides such as 2-4D, Grazon, and Round Up (to name a few) often require 1-2 pints per acre. At this rate, these products are very successful. The same products in a granular form would require 150-250 lbs per acre to achieve the same success. The foliar version of an herbicide is more effective (1-2 pints vs. 150-250 lbs) because it bypasses the soil.
Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for precise application instruction.
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What type of grass or crop is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer designed for?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is great on all summer and winter grasses, row crops, and garden fruits and vegetables.
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Is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer safe for animals?
Yes. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer can be applied while cows and horses (or other livestock) are in the pasture.
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When should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied?
Example:
If you have a good stand of ryegrass in April and apply Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer, the ryegrass will benefit greatly but not your Bermuda grass. This is because the Bermuda must have a good stand to absorb the fertilizer.
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At what rate should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied?
Please contact your Regional Sales Manager for specific application rates. The most common application rate is one 25lb bag per 2 acres. This rate is designed for general crop development and hay production. Do not apply 1 bag per acre – This can be too much nitrogen to absorb in one application and might burn your crop. If a stronger rate is desired, we recommend applying the standard rate once and then a second time in 10-12 days.
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Can Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be used as a starter or popup fertilizer?
Yes. Our most popular starter fertilizer is our 10-52-2. Our starter fertilizer is designed to increase germination and to jumpstart the root development. To achieve the best results, apply the fertilizer close to the seed (injecting, knifing, etc) as opposed to broadcasting and incorporating. We don’t recommend using high nitrogen fertilizers as a starter or at planting. Our high nitrogen fertilizers will be most effective as a foliar when leaf has developed.
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Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer need rain to become active?
No. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is available and active the moment it’s sprayed on the leaf. If the soil has adequate moisture, the plant will utilize the fertilizer efficiently. If the soil is dry, the plant may not be able to utilize the fertilizer to its full capacity. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer can also be applied after a rain. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer does not require rain, but your crop does.
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Should Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied before or after rain?
Foliar products like Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer (and herbicides) will be absorbed and begin working immediately without rain. It is recommended that Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer have 12-24 hours to be absorbed before rain or irrigation. Rain or irrigation immediately after foliar application can result in product washing of the leaf. After foliar application, Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer (and herbicides) will accelerate in absorption and effectiveness once rain is received.
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Can Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer be applied in dry conditions?
Consult a Regional Sales Manager before applications in drought type conditions.
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Does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer require surfactant or sticker when applied?
No. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is absorbed quickly (15-30 minutes) and easily into the leaf without any sticker or wetting agent. However, in certain conditions, surfactant may be beneficial.
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Can herbicide be added to Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Please consult an agronomist or a Regional Sales Manager before reducing the usage rate.
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How do I mix Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Call us at 888-870-9212 with any question.The concentration can sometimes be increased in certain conditions — cooler weather, irrigated fields, less sensitive crops.
Please consult your Regional Sales Manager before increasing concentrations.
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Does water temperature affect the solubility of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will mix slower in colder temperatures (40-60 degrees). Blends that are high in nitrogen will mix slowly in colder temperatures because the nitrogen reduces the water temperature. When mixing Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer in cold temperatures, we recommend mixing during the day before application during the warmest part of the day. Once Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is mixed, it will remain in permanent solution in above freezing temperatures. Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer mixes instantly in warm temperatures.
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Will Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer repair soil imbalances?
A soil test requires 30 units nitrogen, 30 units phosphorus and 30 units potash for specific crop production.
A fertilizer program using Grasshopper 19-19-19 is applied. Although not applied to the soil to supply the NPK needs, Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is supplying the plant directly, therefore reducing the plants nutritional demand on the soil. As a result, desired crop growth and yield can be achieved as the plant is fed and soil is allowed to slowly recuperate. In some cases, NPK levels within the soil can improve when properly using foliar fertilizer.Customer observations indicate soil health progressively improving with the use of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer. A customer may use Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer throughout the summer hay season and then report improved winter growth of ryegrass or wheat months after the final Grasshopper application. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potash from the summer Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer applications is no longer active although trace amounts may still be found in the roots. However, by supplying the plants nutritional requirement throughout the summer through foliar applications, larger reserves of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash may have developed within the soil, allowing for greater nutrient availability.
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What happens if I significantly reduce or increase the rate of water per acre?
Foliar products are very effective when applied in a mist (fine water droplets) at a rate of 10-15 gallons of water per acre. This rate can be slightly increased or decreased depending on the sprayer and tips. As a general rule, foliar applications at 20-30 gallons of water per acre will result in excess runoff from the leaf. Applications ranging from 5-8 gallons of water per acre may not have sufficient leaf coverage.
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How much nitrogen am I putting out compared to commercial soil applied fertilizer?
The NPK rating for each Grasshopper blend represents the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as a percentage of the gross weight. For example: 44% nitrogen amount to 11 pounds of actual nitrogen in a 25 lb bag. This question is usually asked when a farmer is struggling to understand the tonnage difference between granular and foliar application. The more important question is: How much fertilizer does my crop receive when I apply granular fertilizer to the ground?
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How long will Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer last or remain active?
Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash in a granular or foliar form, when made available to the plant will generally have a similar activity period. Certain fertilizers are referred to as ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ release. This is an indication of the time required before the fertilizer is made available rather than the amount of time that the fertilizer is actually working. For example: Sulfur or poly coated urea made be referred to as slow or long lasting. Once the outer coating and then the urea is broken down and made available, the nitrogen endures as long as any other form.The best way to achieve long lasting results from your fertilizer is to utilize all of it. When Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is applied to a plant, the fertilizer will be absorbed between 2 – 24 hours. The fertilizer will be working and active for 2 – 3 weeks. However, the plant now has improved health, nutrition, root development, and will continue growing at an improved rate long after the fertilizer is consumed.
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How volatile is the Nitrogen in Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
The various nitrogen derivatives used in the Grasshopper blends are very stable compared to most derivatives in granular fertilizer. The high quality, technical grade derivatives that are used are absorbed and available immediately to the plant. As a result, the fertilizer is secured from leaching, volatilization, urease, etc.
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Why is Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer shipped in powder form rather than liquid?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is shipped in a powder form for efficient handling and storage. Depending on the application and crop requirements, a pallet of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer will cover 80-160 acres. A truckload will cover 1600-3400 acres. The volume of 1 pallet of Grasshopper fertilizer mixed with water would be 2,000 gallons. A truckload of commercial liquid fertilizer consists of 5,500 gallons. At this rate, the water volume (once mixed) of 3 pallets of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer would equal 1 truckload of commercial liquid fertilizer. We feel that you can purchase water just as cheaply as we can.
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What is the shelf life of Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer?
Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer can be stored for up to 1 year indoors (shed, shop, garage, etc.). Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer is a water soluble fertilizer. As a result, the powder may absorb moisture over extended periods of time. This will not affect the strength or quality of the fertilizer, but may affect its ability to mix instantly in a sprayer.
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What effect does Grasshopper Foliar Fertilizer have on PH Levels?
We recommend testing soil every year to maintain proper PH levels specific to the crop.
Grasshopper offers special blends that contain high sulfur levels which may assist in high PH soils.
For product information go to Products
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