Essential Trace Elements and Biochemical Functions
While primary macronutrients (NPK) provide basic plant biomass building blocks, micronutrients serve as catalytic activators for critical biochemical pathways.
Microfood supplies balanced proportions of essential trace elements to prevent widespread multi-micronutrient hunger in intensively cropped soils.
- Zinc (Zn): Essential for auxin synthesis, internode elongation, and chlorophyll formation
- Iron (Fe) & Manganese (Mn): Drive electron transfer in photosynthesis and nitrogen assimilation
- Boron (B): Necessary for pollen tube viability, successful fertilization, and sugar translocation
- Copper (Cu) & Molybdenum (Mo): Activate nitrate reductase enzymes and strengthen plant cell walls
Application Methods: Foliar Spray and Soil Application
Microfood is formulated in specialized grades tailored for soil broadcasting during basal field preparation or high-absorption foliar spraying.
Foliar feeding delivers immediate corrective nutrition during rapid vegetative flush when root uptake is constrained by cold or alkaline soils.
- Basal soil dressing: Broadcast granular microfood blended with organic manure during final land preparation
- Foliar spray: Dissolve in clean water and spray evenly across crop foliage during early vegetative and pre-flowering stages
- Soil pH interaction: In high pH calcareous soils, foliar application bypasses soil micronutrient fixation
Soil Health Card Integration and Quality Assurance
Applying micronutrients based on periodic Soil Health Card laboratory testing ensures targeted correction without inducing micronutrient toxicity.
Farmers should verify official state FCO grade approvals and batch certification numbers when purchasing from authorized cooperative societies.
- Soil test alignment: Reference your Soil Health Card to determine specific regional micronutrient requirements
- FCO grade certification: Ensure product conforms to designated state-notified micronutrient mixture formulas
- Storage: Store bags in dry, covered godowns protected from ambient moisture absorption
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Department of Fertilizers - IFMS Portal ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is Microfood fertilizer used for in agriculture?
It is a multi-micronutrient fertilizer used to supply trace elements like zinc, iron, and boron to correct soil deficiencies and boost yields.
Can Microfood be applied as a foliar spray?
Yes, water-soluble foliar grades of Microfood can be sprayed directly onto crop leaves for rapid trace element absorption.
Why is boron important in the micronutrient mixture?
Boron is critical for pollen viability, flowering fertilization, and preventing fruit cracking in vegetables and orchards.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Fertilizers & Crop Nutrition guides
Ask Sakhi AI in your language, check live mandi prices or plan a loan with KisanPe tools.