How to Apply Micronutrients for Plants in India

Healthy plants need proper nutrition. Just like humans need vitamins and minerals, plants need nutrients to grow strong. These nutrients are divided into two types: macronutrients and micronutrients. While macronutrients are needed in large amounts, micronutrients are needed in small quantities but are just as important.

Micronutrients like zinc, iron, boron, and manganese help plants grow properly. In India, many soils are low in these micronutrients. This leads to poor crop health, low yield, and weak plants.

In this blog, we will explain how to apply micronutrients for plants in India. You will learn what they are, when to apply them, and how to apply them the right way.

What is Micronutrients:

Plants require a mix of nutrients to grow healthy and produce good yields. While major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are widely known, micronutrients are often overlooked. However, these are just as essential, even if needed in smaller amounts. Lack of these can severely affect plant performance.

Micronutrients are small elements that play a big role in plant health. Here are the most important ones:

• Zinc (Zn) - helps in hormone production and growth
• Iron (Fe) - helps in photosynthesis and energy
• Boron (B) - needed for flowers and fruits
• Manganese (Mn) - helps in making food in leaves
• Copper (Cu) - supports seed and fruit formation
• Molybdenum (Mo) - needed for nitrogen use

Micronutrients support strong root growth, flowering, and seed formation. If your plants lack these, you will see yellow leaves, weak stems, and poor fruits.

In many Indian farms, soil has lost important nutrients due to continuous farming and the wrong use of fertilizers. This leads to poor crop health and low yield. Micronutrient deficiency is a silent problem many farmers don’t notice it until it's too late. Understanding which nutrients are lacking in your region can help take the right action.

Common Micronutrient Deficiencies in Indian Agriculture

• North India – Zinc shortage
• South India – Boron and Iron shortage
• Central India – Iron and Manganese shortage
   

Signs of deficiency:

• Yellow leaves
• Small or less fruits
• Weak flowering
• Plants not growing well
   

Knowing these signs early helps you fix the problem by learning how to apply micronutrients for plants.

Soil Testing: The First Step to Smart Application

Before using any fertilizer, first do soil testing. It tells you which nutrients your soil needs. Many farmers apply fertilizers without knowing what their land actually lacks, which leads to waste of money and poor results. Soil testing is the smart first step it helps you give only what your crop really needs.

Where to do soil testing:

• Go to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)
   
• Use government soil testing labs
   
• Contact private labs in your area
   

How to read soil test report:

• Check levels of Zinc, Iron, Boron, Copper
• See your soil pH – it affects how nutrients work
• Use the report to choose correct nutrients
   

Soil testing saves money and improves crop results

Methods of Micronutrient Application

A. Soil Application

This means putting nutrients into the soil directly. Good for all crops like wheat, rice, sugarcane, and vegetables.

Steps to Apply:

1. Take the required amount of micronutrient powder or granules.
2. Mix it with sand or soil for even spreading.
3. Apply it in the field before sowing.
4. Or, if the crop is already growing, apply near the plant roots.
5. Water the field after application.
    

Types of Products:

• Granular – Cheaper, works slowly, long-lasting
• Chelated – Costly but works fast, good in hard (alkaline) soils

 

 B. Foliar Spray

This method gives nutrients through the leaves. It helps plants absorb nutrients quickly.

Good for: Flowering, fruiting stage or when deficiency signs appear.

Steps to Apply:

1. Take the right amount of micronutrient (read the label).
2. Mix it in water (as per instructions).
3. Pour into a hand sprayer or pump.
4. Spray on both sides of the leaves.
5. Do it in the morning or evening (never during hot sun or rain).
6. Repeat spray every 10–15 days if needed.
    

Important Tips:

• Don’t use too much – it may burn the leaves.
• Always mix fresh before spraying.
• Wear gloves or cover your hands.
   

C. Fertigation (Drip Irrigation Method)

In this modern method, you mix micronutrients in drip water. Best for fruits, vegetables, and greenhouse crops.

Steps to Apply:

1. Take water-soluble micronutrient powder.
2. Mix it well in water tank of your drip system.
3. Let the drip system run and feed plants with water + nutrients.
4. After use, clean the pipes with plain water.
    

Why Use This Method:

• Saves water and time
• Sends nutrients straight to roots
• Gives better yield in high-value crops

 Micronutrient Application Schedule for Major Indian Crop

Crop	When to Apply	Nutrients Needed
Rice	Tillering, flowering	Zinc, Iron, Boron
Wheat	Early root stage	Zinc, Manganese
Cotton	Growth and flowering	Boron, Zinc, Iron
Vegetables	Every 15 days	All micronutrients
Fruits	Before flowers and fruits	Boron, Zinc, Calcium

Mistakes to Avoid During Application

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Using too much nutrient  it can harm plants
• Mixing wrong nutrients together
• Spraying in hot sun or rainy time
• Not checking label for correct dose
• Not repeating spray when needed

To succeed, you must know the correct way of how to apply micronutrients for plants.

Applying micronutrients the right way can greatly improve plant health, crop yield, and quality. Always begin with a soil test to know which nutrients your field needs. Choose the correct product based on your crop and soil type. 

 

Use the right method whether it's soil application, foliar spray, or fertigation depending on your farming system. Make sure to apply micronutrients at the correct stage of crop growth and avoid common mistakes like overuse or spraying at the wrong time. When you understand how to apply micronutrients for plants, you take a strong step toward healthy farming and higher profits.For trusted and crop-specific micronutrient solutions, visit SV Agro Solutions today.