Fertilisers play a crucial role in modern agriculture, providing essential nutrients to crops for healthy growth and increased yields. One emerging innovation in the realm of fertilisers is the use of microgranular fertilisers. These tiny, granular formulations offer distinct advantages over traditional fertilisers, making them a promising addition to precision agriculture practices.
In this article, we will explore what microgranular fertiliser is, its uses, benefits over ordinary fertilisers, application methods, packaging sizes, cost considerations, and the range of products applied using microgranular fertiliser applicators.
What is Microgranular Fertiliser?
Microgranular fertiliser is a specialised type of fertiliser that is formulated in the form of tiny granules, much smaller than conventional granular fertilisers. These granules are specifically designed to release nutrients gradually, allowing for more controlled nutrient delivery to the plant’s root zone.
What Size Is Microgranular Fertiliser Compared To Traditional Fertiliser?
Microgranular fertilisers are significantly smaller in size compared to regular or conventional granular fertilisers. The term “microgranular” implies that the granules are much tinier and more finely textured.
Generally, microgranular fertilisers have granules that are in the range of 100 to 300 microns in diameter. In contrast, regular or conventional granular fertilisers have larger granules, typically ranging from 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. This means that microgranular fertilisers are typically at least ten times smaller in size than conventional granular fertilisers.

The smaller size of microgranular fertilisers allows for more precise application and better nutrient distribution. It also facilitates a controlled release of nutrients, offering improved nutrient uptake efficiency and reducing the potential for nutrient losses through leaching or runoff. These benefits make microgranular fertilisers particularly useful for precision agriculture and targeted nutrient delivery to plants’ root zones.
When is Microgranular Fertiliser Used?
Microgranular fertiliser is used in various agricultural scenarios where precise nutrient management is essential. Some common applications include:
- Targeted Nutrient Delivery: Microgranular fertiliser is used to provide nutrients directly to the root zone, promoting efficient uptake by plants and reducing wastage.
- Precision Agriculture Practices: In precision agriculture, microgranular fertiliser is applied with accuracy, matching nutrient requirements to the specific needs of individual plants or areas within a field.
- Specific Crop Requirements: Certain crops may have unique nutrient demands at various growth stages. Microgranular fertiliser allows farmers to tailor nutrient application accordingly.
Advantages of Microgranular Fertiliser over Ordinary Fertilisers
- Controlled Nutrient Release: Microgranular fertiliser releases nutrients gradually, ensuring a steady supply to the plants over an extended period. This controlled release minimises nutrient leaching and runoff, reducing environmental pollution.
- Reduced Nutrient Losses: With ordinary fertilisers, nutrients can be lost due to volatilisation or leaching before plants can absorb them. Microgranular fertiliser helps mitigate these losses by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone.
- Enhanced Nutrient Uptake Efficiency: Microgranular fertiliser facilitates higher nutrient uptake efficiency, promoting healthier plant growth and optimising crop yields.
Application Methods for Microgranular Fertilisers
Microgranular fertilisers can be applied using various methods:
- Seed Coating: Coating seeds with microgranular fertiliser ensures that nutrients are readily available to germinating plants.
- Side-Dressing: Applying microgranular fertiliser along the sides of crop rows provides targeted nutrient supply during critical growth stages.
- Fertigation: In fertigation systems, microgranular fertiliser is dissolved in irrigation water, enabling precise nutrient delivery through irrigation lines.
Packaging Sizes of Microgranular Fertilisers
Microgranular fertilisers are available in different packaging sizes, ranging from small bags suitable for home gardeners to larger quantities for commercial agricultural applications.
Concentration of Microgranular Fertilisers vs. Ordinary Fertilisers
Microgranular fertilisers are generally more concentrated than ordinary fertilisers, as the smaller granules allow for a higher nutrient-to-filler ratio.
Cost Considerations: Microgranular Fertilisers vs. Ordinary Fertilisers
While microgranular fertilisers may have a higher upfront cost, their enhanced nutrient efficiency and reduced wastage often result in cost savings in the long run.
Can Ordinary Fertiliser Be Applied Using A Microgranular Applicator?
Yes, ordinary fertilisers can be dispensed using a microgranular applicator. Microgranular applicators are versatile tools that can handle a variety of granular materials, including both microgranular fertilisers and conventional granular fertilisers. The main advantage of using a microgranular applicator with ordinary fertilisers is to achieve more precise and controlled application, similar to how microgranular fertilisers are applied.
By using a microgranular applicator with ordinary fertilisers, farmers can benefit from reduced wastage, enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency, and minimized environmental impact, just as they would with microgranular fertilisers. This approach allows for more efficient nutrient management and ensures that the fertiliser is delivered directly to the root zone, optimizing the nutrient utilization by the crops and reducing the risk of nutrient runoff or leaching.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of using an applicator for ordinary fertilisers may depend on the size and consistency of the granules. Some applicators might require specific adjustments or settings to accommodate different fertiliser types, so it’s advisable to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper use with ordinary fertilisers.
Other Products Applied Using Microgranular Fertiliser Applicator
Apart from fertilisers, microgranular applicators can be used for applying various agricultural products, such as:
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Precision application of pest control products can minimise their environmental impact while ensuring crop protection.
- Growth Regulators: Microgranular applicators allow controlled application of growth regulators to influence crop development.
- Soil Amendments: Applying soil amendments in microgranular form helps address specific soil deficiencies accurately.
Benefits of Using a Microgranular Applicator vs. Broadcasting Fertiliser
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Microgranular applicators target nutrient delivery, minimising excess fertiliser spreading and potential environmental harm.
- Increased Efficiency and Accuracy: Precision application ensures that nutrients and other products are used where they are needed most, optimising resource utilisation.
- Minimised Nutrient Runoff: By delivering nutrients directly to the root zone, microgranular applicators reduce nutrient runoff into water bodies.
Conclusion
Microgranular fertilisers, with their targeted nutrient delivery and precision application, represent an exciting advancement in modern agriculture. Their ability to improve nutrient efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance crop productivity makes them a valuable tool for farmers seeking sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. As research and technology continue to advance, we can expect even more innovative applications and benefits from microgranular fertilisers in the future.