Home ​​​​>​​​​ Knowledge Center​​​​

Trace elements, also known as micronutrients are nutrients that the plant needs less of for stable growth. Boron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, zinc, and iron are trace elements, each with their own individual function. Even though trace elements are needed in a lower concentration, the shortage can be prevented due to regular sampling. 

As previously mentioned, trace elements can be administered to the plant in different ways. How you do this entirely depends on the crop's demands. Trace elements can be supplied to the plant, for example in a trace mix. Here is a recipe, made of a mix of different trace minerals, often tailored to a specific cultivation or type of crop. The trace elements in such fertilizers can be present as chelate or sulphate. 

Additionally, in case of a more targeted dosage of trace minerals, separate administering of the required element could be possible, using sulphates and chelates. But what is the exact difference between those two?  

A sulphate simply consists of oxidized sulphur, which can be absorbed by the roots of a plant. A trace element in sulphur-form means that an element was linked to this oxidized form of sulphur. A sulphate is immobile, which means that it can not easily spread through the plant. In the soil on the other hand, sulphate is very mobile, so ending up in the right place, it can quickly reach the roots. When using sulphates, the fact that it quickly leaches out must always be taken into account. Also, make sure to apply the trace-sulphates in the B-tank.

A chelate can be considered as a claw that firmly holds onto the nutrient. The chelate ensures that the element is being held on to longer, so that it does not precipitate when it is being dissolved into the fertilizer solution. Nonprecipitation of a chelated trace element depends on the type of chelate and thus the stability. Finally, a chelated trace element is also more mobile in the plant, ensuring a spread uptake of the element. 

Nutrients are relocated inside the plant because of evaporation. As it is less warm during winter, less evaporation will take place in the plant, making the relocation of elements a bit more difficult. For that reason it is wise to always use chelates in winter.

Always apply iron chelates to the A-tank, in contrast to the trace-sulphates. 

As described above, the main difference between sulfates and chelates is the stability at different pH values in the root environment or soil/substrate. 

Sulfates have a significantly lower stability than chelates. This serves to have an element available throughout the bandwidth. Chelates are stronger and more pure which makes them suitable to be used as fertilizer. However, as a result of this pure quality they are more expensive than sulphates. Sulphates can well be used to increase the pH value in the roots or the soil/substrate, but also to combat fungi and moss. Due to the lower price of sulphates they are more popular than chelates. 

Whether it is sensible to choose a chelated trace element or a sulphated trace element, as such entirely depends on the application. When fertilization is concerned, also both options can be chosen.

Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Jaap Lubbersen will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.