Micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc are essential for healthy plant development. However, these nutrients can become unavailable in high pH soils. Chelated micronutrient fertilizers provide a solution. But how exactly do chelated micronutrients improve plant growth compared to non-chelated options?
Chelation is a process that wraps micronutrients in organic molecules. This prevents the minerals from binding to soil compounds or precipitating out as hydroxides and oxides. As a result, chelated micronutrients stay soluble and plant-available longer. For example, EDTA chelates are effective at keeping iron available. Iron is critical for processes like chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme functions. Without proper iron nutrition delivered by EDTA, plants exhibit chlorosis, stunted growth, and yield loss. Here are some of the top benefits chelated micronutrient fertilizers offer:
1. Increased Micronutrient Absorption
Because chelated minerals remain dissolved in soil solution, plants have greater opportunity for root uptake. Chelates also facilitate transportation within the plant. This leads to more efficient use of the applied nutrients.
2. Better Performance in High pH Soils
Chelates prevent micronutrients from being bound up in alkaline soils. While iron readily precipitates out at pH above 7, EDTA chelated iron stays available. This makes chelated micronutrients ideal for soils with higher pH.
3. Ability to Correct Deficiencies
Foliar sprays with EDTA-chelated zinc, manganese, and iron provide a rapid correction when deficiencies occur during the growing season. Within several weeks, chelated micronutrients can remedy nutrient disorders.
4. Higher Yields and Quality
By preventing micronutrient deficiencies, chelated fertilizers allow plants to reach maximum genetic potential. Adequate nutrition improves fruit set, fruit quality, and overall crop productivity.
5. Lower Rates Required
Chelated micronutrients have much higher use efficiency, so lower application rates are needed. This improves cost-effectiveness compared to inorganic mineral salts.
When choosing a chelated micronutrient fertilizer, EDTA and EDDHA chelates have key differences:
- EDTA works best for most crops, while EDDHA is ideal for iron-inefficient plants.
- EDDHA chelates are more stable at high pH than EDTA.
- EDTA is suitable for both soil and foliar application, while EDDHA is mainly used for soil application.
By keeping essential micronutrients available, chelated fertilizers optimize plant nutrition for improved growth and yields. The benefits are well worth the investment for most growers.