The response of ginseng grown on farmland to foliar-applied iron, zinc, manganese and copper

The aim of this investigation is to study the effects of foliar fertilizer on the improvement of the nutrient status, yield and quality of ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.) grown on farmland. Separate applications of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) or copper (Cu) at four concentrations (5, 50, 500 or 5000 mg L−1) were delivered to the ginseng leaves. These four microelements can be absorbed effectively by ginseng leaves and delivered from leaves to roots within 48 h of foliar spraying. As would be expected, the spraying concentration had a positive linear relationship (r2 > 0.95) with the quantity of ions absorbed by the ginseng leaves. Furthermore, research data on growth suggest that ginseng is more sensitive to Fe than the other three elements. When applied at the same concentration, ginseng leaves uptake more iron and transport larger amounts of iron to the root than the other elements. Ginseng root yield, single ginsenoside and the total contents of nine ginsenosides were significantly increased by foliar fertilization. The foliar application concentration at 500 mg L−1 of Fe, Mn and Cu and 5000 mg L−1 of Zn based on our research data improved both ginseng yield and quality.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Foliar applied Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu can be absorbed effectively by ginseng leaves. ► Microelements were delivered from leaves to roots within 48 h of spraying. ► The spraying concentration had a positive relationship with the absorption quantity. ► Ginseng yield and ginsenoside content were significantly increased by foliar fertilization.