Microgranular starter fertilizer in open field cultivation - Mivena

Microgranules in the seed row: Why a strong root start makes the difference

A crop makes decisions early. In the first weeks after sowing or planting, the foundation is built for root volume, nutrient uptake capacity and uniform growth. And that early start often determines how many “corrections” you need later: extra fertilizer applications, growth setbacks caused by stress, or an uneven crop that becomes harder to manage.

Microgranular starter fertilization is one of the most effective ways to improve that start, because you place nutrients exactly where the plant needs them most: in or directly next to the seed row.

What happens in the soil during early growth?

During germination and emergence, the plant develops a network of fine roots and root hairs. These are the “uptake organs” responsible for absorbing water and nutrients. The faster this network develops, the sooner the plant can:

Absorb nutrients efficiently,
Cope better with cold or dry conditions,
Grow more uniformly,
and enter the season with stronger momentum.

A root network like the one you see in macro images, thicker main roots with thousands of fine feeder roots, is not just a lab detail. It is literally the engine behind yield potential.

Why microgranules are so efficient

The advantage of microgranules is not “applying more”, but placing smarter.

With broadcast fertilization, nutrients are spread across the entire field. That’s fine for base applications, but less ideal in the first weeks: the young root system is still small and explores only a limited soil volume. With microgranules, you create a concentrated nutrient zone around the seed or planting material. That Ato:

faster availability in the root zone,
fewer losses outside the uptake area,
and more uniform emergence.

The role of slow-release nitrogen (methylene urea)

In the start phase, you don’t want an “all-at-once” nitrogen peak. Part of that nitrogen can be lost, or the plant may grow too fast without building a stable foundation.

With methylene urea (MU) as a slow-release nitrogen source, nitrogen becomes available gradually. This supports steady, consistent growth and helps reduce the risk of losses. Combined with precise placement in the row, you make nutrients not only available, but truly usable.

Magnesium: greener leaves, better efficiency

Magnesium plays a key role in chlorophyll (leaf green) and therefore in photosynthesis. In practice, that means: a stronger start, higher energy production, and more efficient nitrogen utilisation, exactly what you want when the crop needs to “switch on”.

Granuform®: starter fertilisation designed for row placement

Granuform® is a microgranular starter fertilizer for arable applications. By applying it directly in or next to the seed row, the crop gains rapid access to nutrients in the root zone. Granuform® includes slow-release nitrogen via methylene urea (MU) and is enriched with magnesium to support chlorophyll formation and nutrient efficiency.

In short:

precision nutrition at seed/planting material
fast, uniform early growth
strong root development in the start phase
long-lasting N supply through MU
microgranules (0.5–1.0 mm) for even distribution

Application & rate (practical)

Granuform® is applied using a microgranule applicator or precision seeder, directly in or next to the seed row.

Guideline rate: 20–40 kg/ha
(depending on crop, soil type and fertilisation strategy)

Important: do not exceed the recommended rate and always follow national fertilization regulations.

When is microgranular starter fertilisation especially valuable?

Microgranules in the row are particularly relevant when you:

face a cold or slow spring (delayed root start),
want to stimulate early rooting and uptake,
need a more uniform crop for mechanical operations,
aim to increase efficiency at lower application rates,
or want stable, controlled nitrogen availability early on.

Practical tips to maximise performance

Placement is everything
Ensure the fertilizer is positioned in the zone around the seed/planting material.
Calibrate the microgranule unit
Microgranules only deliver results when your equipment accurately doses per row.
Storage & handling
Store dry and cool in the original packaging. Avoid large temperature fluctuations and moisture.

Conclusion: start smarter, correct less

A strong root system is not a “nice to have”. It is the foundation for nutrient uptake, stress resilience and uniform growth. With microgranular starter fertilization, you place nutrients exactly where the crop is most sensitive to shortages: right next to the roots.

Granuform® combines precision placement with slow-release nitrogen (MU) and magnesium for a powerful, stable start.

Granuform® – The smartest start in the row.

Interested in improving your crop’s early growth?

Discover how Granuform® microgranular starter fertilization supports strong root development and uniform crop establishment.