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Micronutrients: The Small Nutrients That Make a Big Difference

In farming, most attention goes to major nutrients like urea, DAP, and potash. While these are important, they’re only part of the story. Many farmers apply NPK in the right quantity but still face poor results. Why? One often overlooked reason is micronutrient deficiency.

Micronutrients are nutrients required in small amounts, but they play a big role in crop health. Without them, even well-fertilized crops can underperform.

Key Micronutrients and Their Role

• Zinc: Essential for growth and root development, especially in early stages

• Iron: Helps in chlorophyll production—deficiency causes yellowing between veins

• Boron: Critical for flowering and fruit setting

• Manganese, Copper, Molybdenum, Chlorine: These support enzyme activity, disease resistance, and nutrient uptake

Each of these plays a specific role. A deficiency in even one can limit overall growth.

How to Identify Deficiencies

• Leaves turning yellow or pale, even when fertilizer is applied

• Poor flowering or uneven fruit development

• Reduced root strength or increased pest pressure

• Slower growth compared to nearby fields

These are signs something is missing beyond NPK.

What Farmers Can Do

1. Soil and leaf testing – This gives a clear picture of what your soil lacks

2. Balanced micronutrient mixtures – Instead of relying on single nutrients, go for well-formulated mixes

3. Foliar sprays during critical growth stages – Faster absorption through leaves

4. Use of chelated micronutrients – These are more stable and easily absorbed by plants

Farmers investing in micronutrients often see greener leaves, better flowering, uniform fruiting, and higher yields. More importantly, it helps the soil stay healthy over time.