Fertilizer Specialties
Chelated Micronutrients
Chelated micronutrients are trace elements chemically bound to an organic chelator. Within biostimulants and fertilizer systems, chelated micronutrients are used to improve the availability, stability, and uptake efficiency of essential trace elements.
What are chelated micronutrients?
Chelated micronutrients (Chelated Micronutrients) consist of a metal ion, such as iron, zinc, manganese, or copper, surrounded by an organic compound. This chelation protects the nutrient from precipitation and fixation in the soil.
- Micronutrients bound to a chelator
- High chemical stability
- Improved availability for plants
- Effective under different soil conditions
The principle of chelation
Chelation ensures that micronutrients remain soluble and do not react with soil particles or other ions. As a result, they remain mobile in the soil solution and more accessible for uptake by roots.
Chelated micronutrients and nutrient uptake
Through chelation, micronutrients can be absorbed and transported more efficiently within the plant. This is especially important under conditions where nutrients are normally poorly available.
Role in plant physiology
Enzymatic processes
Micronutrients act as cofactors for enzymes involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and other vital metabolic processes.
Photosynthesis and chlorophyll formation
Elements such as iron and manganese are essential for chlorophyll formation and electron transport within photosynthesis.
Stress tolerance
A good availability of micronutrients supports antioxidant enzymes and helps plants better cope with stress.
Chelated micronutrients under stress conditions
At high pH, salt stress, or soils with strong binding, non-chelated micronutrients can quickly become unavailable. Chelated forms remain more absorbable under these conditions.
Chelated micronutrients in biostimulant formulations
In biostimulants, chelated micronutrients are often combined with other raw materials to optimize uptake and physiological function.
- Improved stability in formulations
- Suitable for foliar and root applications
- Compatible with fulvic acid and organic acids
- Widely usable in diverse cultivation systems
Effect on plant performance
Properly applied chelated micronutrients contribute to:
- Better nutrient uptake
- More efficient photosynthesis
- Improved stress tolerance
- Increased plant vitality
Overview: role of chelated micronutrients
| Aspect | Contribution of chelated micronutrients |
|---|---|
| Stability | Protection against precipitation and fixation |
| Uptake | Improved availability |
| Plant physiology | Support of enzymatic processes |
| Stress | Support of antioxidant activity |
| Formulation | Functional micronutrient source |