A method for increasing the cobalt uptake in forage is disclosed by spreading a micronutrient fertilizer in a level corresponding to of from 10 to 200 g cobalt/ha. The fertilizer is prepared, in sequence, by preparing a phosphono-cobalt chelate in a liquid form, followed by granulating that liquid with a solid carrier other than a water-soluble phosphate and thereafter admixing the micronutrient granulate formed with a fertilizer and/or a soil conditioner.