Fertilizer burn is a defined as leaf scorch resulting from over-fertilization, usually referring to excess nitrogen salts[1][2][3]
Fertilizer burn is the result of desiccation of plant tissues due to chemiosmosis, creating a state of hypertonicity.
Fertilizer burn can be remedied by soaking the soil with water to flush out excess salts[4]. It can be prevented by applying only dilute or controlled-release fertilizer products[5][6].