Approved Straight Micronutrient Fertilizers under FCO
Under Schedule I of the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), straight micronutrient fertilizers must adhere to strict chemical purity specifications.
These straight grades allow farmers to target single-element deficiencies confirmed by soil laboratory tests.
- Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate (21% Zn) & Monohydrate (33% Zn): Premier straight fertilizers to correct zinc deficits and cure Khaira disease
- Ferrous Sulphate (19% Fe): Soluble iron salt preventing iron chlorosis in high-pH calcareous soils
- Borax (10.5% B) & Solubor (20% B): Essential boron sources preventing pollen sterility and fruit cracking
- Copper Sulphate (24% Cu) & Manganese Sulphate (30.5% Mn): Correct copper and manganese deficiencies in specialized cropping belts
- Ammonium Molybdate (52% Mo): Supplies molybdenum required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes
Chelated Micronutrients and Customized Mixtures
Chelated micronutrients utilize synthetic organic chelators (EDTA, EDDHA) to protect mineral ions from soil fixation in alkaline or calcareous soils.
State agricultural universities also formulate state-notified multi-micronutrient mixture grades (Grades 1 through 5) tailored for specific regional cropping systems.
- EDTA-chelated trace elements (Zn-EDTA, Fe-EDTA): 100% water-soluble chelates ideal for foliar misting and drip fertigation
- State-specific mixture grades: Notified multi-element blends balanced for regional soil types and major crops
- Foliar vs soil grades: Soil grades contain higher mineral density, while foliar grades ensure rapid leaf absorption
Soil Health Integration and Quality Certification
Always align micronutrient applications with recommendations from official Soil Health Cards to prevent toxic over-accumulation.
Purchase certified products displaying the mandatory FCO compliance seal, batch number, and manufacturer address from authorized cooperative societies.
- Soil test alignment: Reference laboratory nutrient status on your Soil Health Card before purchasing bulk fertilizers
- PoS authentication: Purchases require biometric or OTP verification linked to the buyer's Aadhaar card
- Quality verification: Ensure official FCO batch markings and obtain printed receipts at dealer counters
Official source
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Department of Fertilizers - IFMS Portal ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is the difference between Zinc Sulphate 21% and 33%?
Zinc Sulphate 21% is the heptahydrate form containing 21% zinc, while 33% is the concentrated monohydrate form containing 33% elemental zinc.
Why are EDTA-chelated micronutrients preferred in alkaline soils?
The EDTA organic molecule protects the metal ion from reacting with soil carbonates, keeping nutrients soluble and absorbable by plant roots.
Where can farmers get Soil Health Cards to determine micronutrient needs?
Soil samples can be submitted at local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state soil testing laboratories under the central Soil Health Card scheme.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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