The use of formulations comprising (A) one or more aminocarboxylates, selected from among methylglycine diacetate (MGDA) and its alkali metal salts, glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA) and its alkali metal salts, iminodisuccinate, hydroxyethylimine diacetate and ethyleneiminodisuccinate and the corresponding alkali metal salts, (B) at least one organic compound selected from among organic phosphates, organic phosphonates and organic phosphites and salts of the abovementioned organic compounds, and (C) optionally water, for application to plants or the ground.