What is chelate?
A chelate consists of a central metal atom attached to a large molecule – a ligand. Chelate compounds are characterized by stability, they are not characterized by decomposition, oxidation and sedimentation. Chelate compounds are components of modern fertilizers to provide micronutrients to plants. These trace elements are: zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and calcium.
How does chelation work?
Microelements such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) form salts when used in a non-chelated form. They can form a precipitate with phosphates, carbonates and hydroxides. The positive metal ions in the soil readily interact with oxygen, which is abundant in the soil. Positive ions are easily oxidized and transferred to an unabsorbed form. The chelation process protects them and nutrients remain in soluble form and available to plants.
The chelate molecule is negatively charged so that it can move freely in the soil.
In which crops are chelates used?
Chelates can actually be used in all crops, however, vegetables and fruit crops have a special need for these microelements. These crops are more sensitive and therefore require the use of chelated fertilizers with a relatively higher frequency.
When is it appropriate to use gloves?
Depending on the culture, the time and dosages of chelates are different. To get the maximum effect, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarity of the plant and its phenological phase.
There are different formulations of chelating agents, therefore, the rules of their use differ. They are designed for specific circumstances, to better adapt to this or that element and to be able to convert them into an assimilative form. They differ in the ability to bind to the elements, the way of use, quality and formulation.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) is the most common chelating agent found in synthetic fertilizers. EDTA binds divalent and trivalent metal ions and forms a three-dimensional structure. EDTA is better suited to low pH levels (<6.5). The chelating atom itself is a foreign agent for the plant and cannot absorb it. When it becomes necessary to release an element needed by the plant from the chelating agent, the EDTA atoms leave the chelated element and move to the free form, bind to the atoms of the other element and begin to transform them.
See recommendations for the use of chelating agents:
Methods of using gloves | IDHA | EDTA | DTPA | HBED |
from the leaf | +++ | +++ | – | – |
from the soil | ++ | ++ | +++ | +++ |
Fertigation | ++ | ++ | +++ | +++ |
in hydroponics | ++ | ++ | +++ | ++ |
Soil pH | IDHA | EDTA | DTPA | HBED | |||
Fe | Cu, Zn, Mn | Fe | Cu, Zn, Mn | Fe | Cu, Zn, Mn | ||
<6.5 | +++ | +++ | +++ | +++ | + | + | – |
6.5-7.5 | – | ++ | – | ++ | +++ | +++ | + |
>7.5 | – | + | – | + | – | – | +++ |
+++ highly recommended; ++ recommended; + moderately recommended; – It is not recommended
The advantages of gloves are:
- Fast absorption – chelates are absorbed faster than crystalline salts;
- Tolerance – unlike mineral salts, chelate forms do not cause leaf burn;
- high solubility – the solution is transparent and does not form precipitates;
- good compatibility – they can be used in a mixture with other fertilizers and pesticides;
- high stability – stable pH 4-8;
- They can be used both from the soil and from the leaves.
Agrokompaniya Baraka offers micronutrients from the Polish company ADOB in the form of microgranules of a unique shape, which is 100% chelated and is distinguished by its ideal solubility in water:
Iron- https://baraka.ge/product/rkina-fe/
Zinc – https://baraka.ge/product/tutia-zn/
Magnesium- https://baraka.ge/product/magniumis-nitrati-mgno32/
Manganese- https://baraka.ge/product/manganumi-mn/
For consultation, contact us at 032 204 44 49 WWW.BARAKA.GE
For more information on these and other topics, see Agrocompany Baraka’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@baraka.georgia2230