Chelates

What are chelates?

Chelates, or chelated trace elements, are organic elements that the element (e.g. manganese, copper, iron, etc.) holds like a claw. In this way, the element remains better available to the plant when it is dissolved in the fertilizer solution. Chelates should be used to prevent deficiency symptoms in plants. A chelated trace element is in contrast to a sulphate more mobile in the plant resulting in a fast and distributed absorption of the trace element. In winter there is less evaporation, which makes elements more difficult to move. Our specialists therefore advice you to use chelated trace elements in the winter.

Iron chelates

The administration of iron to a crop is always done by means of a chelate, chelated iron. This is because iron precipitates easily when it comes into contact with other elements in the fertilizer solution. Therefore, iron-containing foods should always be administered in chelated form to prevent deficiency symptoms in the plants. Our specialists wrote an article about how iron chelates work.

Chelates stability

Chelated trace elements are available in various types. For example, there is a difference in the stability of an EDTA, DTPA or EDDHA chelate. The EDDHA chelate is the strongest and at a high pH in the fertilizer, it will remain stable and thus available to the plant. All these chelates have their own stability at a certain pH value. Depending on the crop and the pH value in the fertilizer solution and the root environment, a suitable chelate can be selected.
Chelates can also be found in a trace elements mix, such as the Easymix for floriculture.

Buying chelates

The range of chelated trace elements at Royal Brinkman varies. For example, various nutrients DTPA, EDTA or EDDHA can be purchased chelated. Would you like to receive more information or would you like to receive advice about the possibilities of chelating, for example chelated iron for plants? Please feel free to contact one of our specialists. We will contact you within 24 hours on working days.