State-Specific Formulations and Nutrient Ratios
Because soil parent materials and deficiency profiles vary across Indian states, state agriculture departments notify customized multi-micronutrient formulations under Schedule I of the FCO.
These state grades are calibrated to match regional soil deficits (such as high zinc and boron deficits in rice-wheat plains, or iron chlorosis in calcareous soils).
- Soil application grades (Grade 1 & 2): Coarse granular blends designed for basal soil broadcasting along with organic manure during land preparation.
- Foliar spray grades (Grade 3 & 4): 100% water-soluble powder or liquid chelated mixtures formulated for fine droplet absorption across crop canopies.
- Zinc (Zn): Essential for enzyme activation, auxin (IAA) synthesis, and internodal elongation.
- Iron (Fe) & Boron (B): Critical for chlorophyll synthesis, pollen viability, flower fertilization, and fruit retention.
Application Guidelines and Soil Health Integration
Applying mixed micronutrients based on Soil Health Card testing prevents micronutrient imbalances and ensures optimal economic returns.
Supplying trace minerals in balanced proportions prevents competitive nutrient antagonism in plant roots.
- Basal soil application: Broadcast 10 to 15 kg per acre mixed into well-decomposed farmyard manure during final field preparation.
- Foliar spray: Dissolve 2.5 to 5.0 grams per liter of clean water (0.25% to 0.5% concentration) and spray during active vegetative and pre-flowering stages.
- Neutralizing foliar solutions: In un-chelated inorganic grades, add 0.25% slaked lime to neutralize acidity and prevent foliar scorch.
- Storage: Store bags in a dry, ventilated warehouse off the ground to prevent moisture caking.
Official source
Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.
Department of Fertilizers ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What is a mix micronutrient fertilizer?
It is a scientifically formulated blend of essential trace minerals (Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum) notified under the FCO.
Why do different Indian states have different micronutrient grades?
States customize micronutrient ratios based on their specific soil deficiency surveys (e.g., higher zinc in northern plains, higher iron in southern calcareous soils).
Can mix micronutrient fertilizers be applied through foliar spray?
Yes, specific water-soluble foliar grades (often designated as Grade 3 or 4) are formulated for uniform foliar spray during vegetative growth.
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.