In agriculture, every ounce of efficiency matters, and the role of micronutrients cannot be overstated. These essential elements, required by plants in small quantities, play a crucial role in their growth, development, and overall health. However, the efficiency of these micronutrients can often be compromised by factors such as soil conditions and nutrient availability. 

View Details

That's where chelated micronutrients step in, offering a powerful solution to address nutrient deficiencies and maximize crop productivity. Here, we will explore the significance of chelated micronutrients in agriculture, their unique attributes, and how they can revolutionize how we approach crop nutrition.

What are Chelated Micronutrients?

Chelates are chemical compounds that contain a central metal ion bound to one or several organic molecules, or Ligands. Ligands form a ring structure around the metal ion in a way that resembles a claw surrounding an object, hence the name 'chelate,' which comes from the Greek word for 'claw.'

Chelated micronutrients, thanks to their unique chelate ring structure, offer a heightened level of stability to the complex. This makes them more resistant to chemical breakdown or precipitation, ensuring efficient delivery of essential metal ions to plants.

Chelated micronutrients are essential minerals that are chemically bound to organic molecules, such as amino acids, organic acids, or peptides, to create a complex that plants can easily absorb.

What Are the Benefits of Using Chelated Micronutrients?

Chelation helps prevent micronutrients from being bound to other minerals in the soil, making them easier for plants to absorb. The chelation process forms a stable complex that is capable of resisting chemical reactions and staying intact as it passes through the root system.

• Improved absorption: Chelation protects micronutrients from binding with other minerals in the soil, making them easier for plants to absorb. Plants can easily absorb the chelate complex, making nutrient uptake more efficient.
• Increased stability: Chelated micronutrients are more stable and less likely to react with other environmental compounds, such as soil minerals. This allows micronutrients to release slowly over time.
• Reduced toxicity: Chelation plays a crucial role in reducing the toxicity of certain micronutrients, such as iron or copper, by making them less reactive and safer for plants.
• Enhanced plant growth: Chelated micronutrients are commonly used in agriculture to improve plant growth and crop yields. By providing essential minerals in a more bioavailable form, chelated micronutrients can help plants grow stronger, healthier, and more resistant to pests and diseases.

Overall, chelated micronutrients are important for improving nutrient uptake, stability, and effectiveness in a variety of applications.

What Are Common Chelated Micronutrients?

Chelated micronutrients are essential nutrients bound to organic molecules to enhance their absorption and utilization by plants, animals, and humans. Some common chelated micronutrients include:

1. Iron (Fe) ' chelated iron is commonly used in plant fertilizers to enhance photosynthesis.
2. Zinc (Zn) ' chelated zinc is often used in plant fertilizers to improve nutrient absorption and growth.
3. Copper (Cu) ' chelated copper is commonly used in fertilizers to enhance growth, enzyme function, and reproductive performance. 
4. Manganese (Mn) ' chelated manganese is often used in fertilizers to prevent nutrient deficiencies and promote growth. It's also vital for photosynthesis and the production of plant hormones.
5. Magnesium (Mg) ' chelated magnesium is used in fertilizers to improve nutrient absorption and support chlorophyll production and photosynthesis.
6. Calcium (Ca) ' chelated calcium is commonly used in fertilizers to improve nutrient uptake while supporting cell wall structure and plant growth.

What Crops Can You Use Chelated Micronutrients On?

Chelated micronutrients offer valuable solutions for preventing and correcting micronutrient deficiencies in plants. They are particularly beneficial for crops growing in alkaline or high-pH soils, where micronutrients are often unavailable due to the formation of insoluble compounds. 

The chelation process protects micronutrients from precipitation and degradation. Because of that, various types of crops can benefit from the application of chelated micronutrient fertilizers. This includes crops such as fruits, soybeans, oilseeds, cereal crops, ornamentals, hydroponic crops, and tree nut crops. 

With chelated micronutrients, these crops can access necessary nutrients more effectively, promoting healthier growth, development, and improved yields. The unique suitability of chelated micronutrients lies in their ability to address micronutrient deficiencies in alkaline or high-pH soils, ultimately ensuring optimal plant nutrition across a wide range of crops.

How Do You Know Which Chelated Fertilizer to Use on Your Crops?

Choosing the right chelated fertilizer for your crops depends on several factors. Most importantly, you need to know the specific micronutrients your crops need, the soil conditions in your field, and the growth stage of your crops. 

Here are some general guidelines to help you choose the right chelated fertilizer:

Soil testing

Before choosing a chelated fertilizer, test your soil to determine which nutrients it may be deficient in. Knowing what micronutrients your soil lacks can help you find a fertilizer that contains the specific micronutrients your crops need, such as iron, zinc, manganese, or copper.

Crop Needs

Different crops have unique micronutrient requirements. Choosing a chelated fertilizer tailored to your specific crop is crucial for optimal growth and yield. For instance, some crops may require higher levels of chelated iron, while others may be more susceptible to copper toxicity.

Growth Stage

The micronutrient needs of your crops may vary depending on their growth stage. For example, crops may require more iron during rapid growth periods or flowering. Be sure to choose the right chelated fertilizer that can provide micronutrients in a form that is readily available during these stages.

Chelate Type

Chelated fertilizers can have different chelating agents, such as Amino Acids, Organic Acids, EDDHAor EDTA. The type of chelate used can affect the stability and availability of the micronutrient, so it's important to choose a fertilizer that uses an appropriate chelate for your soil conditions and your crops.

Application Method

You can apply chelated fertilizers using different methods, such as foliar sprays, soil applications, or fertigation. Different application methods affect the efficacy of the fertilizer and the availability of the micronutrients to your crops.

Where Can You Purchase Chelated Micronutrients?

You can purchase chelated micronutrients from various sources, including agricultural suppliers, garden centers, and online retailers. Here are some places where you can acquire chelated micronutrients:

Agricultural Suppliers

Many agricultural suppliers carry chelated micronutrient fertilizers specifically for use in agriculture. These suppliers may include local farm supply stores, seed and feed stores, or larger agricultural supply companies.

Garden Centers

Some garden centers or nurseries may carry chelated micronutrient fertilizers for home gardens or small-scale farming operations. These fertilizers are typically available in smaller quantities or packaged for home use.

Online Retailers

Several online retailers specialize in agricultural and gardening supplies, including chelated micronutrient fertilizers. These retailers may offer a more extensive selection of products and can ship directly to your location.

Fertilizer Manufacturers

Many fertilizer manufacturers produce chelated micronutrients as part of their product line. These manufacturers may sell their products directly to farmers or through agricultural retailers.

When purchasing chelated micronutrients, it's vital to choose a product appropriate for your specific crop and soil conditions and a reputable brand that has been tested and proven effective. Always read the product label and follow application instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

Final Thoughts on Chelated Micronutrients

Chelated micronutrients provide a powerful tool for preventing and correcting micronutrient deficiencies in various crops. Their unique ability to enhance nutrient availability in alkaline or high-pH soils makes them indispensable for optimal plant nutrition. 

Whether you are cultivating fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, forage crops, ornamentals, hydroponic crops, or field crops, incorporating chelated micronutrients into your fertilization strategy can lead to healthier plants, improved yields, and overall agricultural success.

To delve deeper into the specific micronutrient requirements of your crops and soil conditions, and to explore the benefits of chelated fertilizers, reach out to the Verdesian team. We dedicate ourselves to providing support and information to assist you in optimizing your crop production.

Chelated Micronutrients: Everything You Need to Know

• August 01 , by Agriplex India
• 5 min reading time

• Share on:
• Deel
• Tweet
• Pin it
• Messenger

In the world of agriculture and horticulture, plant nutrition plays a critical role in ensuring healthy growth and optimum yields. Micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and others, are essential for plants' vital functions. However, these micronutrients are often found in forms that are not readily available to plants. This is where chelated micronutrients come into play. In this blog, we will explore what chelated micronutrients are, how they work, their benefits over non-chelated counterparts, different types of chelated nutrients, and their applications, and answer some frequently asked questions.

1. What are Chelated micronutrients?

Chelated micronutrients are essential trace elements that are chemically combined with organic molecules to form complexes. These organic molecules, known as chelating agents, envelop the micronutrient ions, protecting them from reactions with other compounds in the soil and preventing them from becoming chemically unavailable to plants. The term "chelate" originates from the Greek word "chelē," which means "claw," as the chelating agent wraps around the micronutrient ion, much like a claw.

2. How Chelated micronutrients Work?

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Hebei Think-Do Chemicals Co.ltd.

The chelating agent forms a complex with the micronutrient, which makes it more soluble and less likely to react with other molecules. This allows the nutrient to be absorbed more easily by the plant or animal.

3. Benefits of Chelated micronutrients

a) Improved Nutrient Availability: Chelation prevents micronutrients from forming insoluble compounds in the soil, making them readily available for plant uptake, even in alkaline or high-pH soils.

b) Increased Nutrient Uptake:   Chelated micronutrients are efficiently absorbed by plant roots and leaves, ensuring maximum nutrient utilization and minimizing losses due to leaching.

c) Enhanced Plant Growth: By providing plants with essential micronutrients in an accessible form, chelates promote healthier growth, greener foliage, and stronger root systems.

d) Stress Tolerance:  Chelated micronutrients play a vital role in enabling plants to cope with environmental stresses, such as drought, temperature fluctuations, and disease.

e) Balanced Nutrition:  Chelated micronutrients can be precisely targeted to address specific nutrient deficiencies, ensuring balanced nutrition for different types of crops.

4. Difference Between Chelated and Non-chelated Micronutrients

The main difference between chelated and non-chelated micronutrients is the way that they are bound to the organic molecule. In non-chelated micronutrients, the nutrient is simply dissolved in water. This makes the nutrient more susceptible to oxidation and precipitation, and it can also be more difficult for plants and animals to absorb. Chelated micronutrients, on the other hand, are bound to the organic molecule in a way that protects them from oxidation and precipitation. This makes them more stable and more easily absorbed.

5. Types of Chelated Micronutrients and Their Applications

a) EDDHA (Ethylenediamine-N, N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)): Suitable for alkaline and calcareous soils, EDDHA chelates are effective in providing iron to plants, especially in high-pH conditions.

b) DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid): DTPA chelates are utilized to deliver iron, manganese, copper, and zinc. They work well in moderately alkaline soils.

c) EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid): EDTA chelates are versatile and effective for a wide range of soil pH levels, providing essential nutrients like iron, manganese, copper, and zinc.

d) HEDTA (Hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid): HEDTA chelates are used for foliar applications to deliver micronutrients like iron to plants.

Q&A

What are the most common micronutrient deficiencies?

The most common micronutrient deficiencies are iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and boron. These deficiencies can occur in both plants and animals, and they can lead to a variety of health problems.

How do I know if my plants or animals are deficient in micronutrients?

There are a few signs that can indicate a micronutrient deficiency. In plants, these signs may include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor yields. In animals, these signs may include weight loss, hair loss, and decreased fertility.

How do I treat a micronutrient deficiency?

The best way to treat a micronutrient deficiency is to provide the missing nutrient. This can be done by applying chelated micronutrients to the soil, feeding chelated micronutrient supplements to animals, or taking chelated micronutrient supplements.

Where can I buy Chelated micronutrients?

Chelated micronutrients are available online at Agriplex also in other from a variety of sources, including garden centers, feed stores, and online retailers

How can I determine if my soil needs Chelated micronutrients?

Soil testing is the best way to determine nutrient deficiencies. If the test reveals low levels of essential micronutrients, Chelated micronutrients can be a targeted and effective solution.

Can Chelated micronutrients be applied through foliar spray?

Yes, chelated micronutrients can be applied as foliar sprays, especially when a quick correction of micronutrient deficiencies is required. Foliar applications allow for direct absorption through the leaves.

Can Chelated micronutrients be used in hydroponic systems?

Yes, chelated micronutrients are suitable for hydroponic systems as they provide essential nutrients in a highly available form, ideal for the nutrient solutions used in soilless growing environments.

Conclusion