Page 35 - Griffin Gazette - July 2026

What Are Chelated Micronutrients? Plantex Iron 6% EDDHA is top choice for high pH situations. Featuring
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a strong ortho-ortho isomer, it provides exceptional stability up to pH 10,
Chelated micronutrients consist of a micronutrient ion bound to an
ensuring reliable iron availability where uptake would typically be limited.
organic molecule known as a chelator. This chelating agent surrounds
the micronutrient in a stable structure that protects it from reacting with Both products are easy to integrate into any fertility program and can
other ions in the growing medium or nutrient solution. either be applied to the soil as a drench or to the foliage as a fine spray.
For best results, mix thoroughly with water until fully dissolved.
This protection prevents micronutrients from precipitating, oxidizing, or
becoming immobilized — reactions that can occur when micronutrients
are supplied in non-chelated forms. Chelation improves the stability and Compatibility Risks When Mixing
plant availability of micronutrients such as iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), Sulphates and Chelates
zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu).
Using sulphate micronutrients alongside chelated micronutrients can
introduce compatibility challenges. Free metal ions from sulphates —
Why Chelated Micronutrients particularly copper, zinc, and manganese — can displace iron from its
Are More Available Than Sulphates chelate. When this occurs, iron may precipitate and become unavailable
to plants.
Sulphate micronutrients dissolve in water but exist as free metal
ions once in solution. These ions can readily react with phosphates, Depending on pH and solution conditions, this exchange can result in iron
carbonates, or hydroxides, forming insoluble compounds that plants losses of 20–50%, increasing the risk of iron deficiency. To reduce this
cannot absorb. These reactions become more common as pH increases, risk, chelated forms of manganese, zinc, and copper are recommended
particularly above pH 6.0–6.5. whenever chelated iron is used.
Chelated micronutrients remain protected from these reactions. The
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chelating agent keeps the micronutrient soluble and available across a Plantex NutriTrace CSM Fertilizer
wider pH range maintaining consistent nutrient availability.
Plantex NutriTrace CSM Fertilizer is a water-soluble fertilizer mix of
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chelated secondary micronutrients which can be used as a preventative
Iron: The Most Commonly supplement or as a corrective application where known deficiencies
Chelated Micronutrient exist. By supplying micronutrients in a chelated form, growers reduce the
risk of precipitation and maintain availability of those nutrients for plant
Iron is the micronutrient most frequently supplied in chelated form
uptake.
because it is highly sensitive to pH and oxidation. As pH increases, iron
readily converts into forms that are poorly available to plants, leading to
deficiency symptoms even when total iron levels appear sufficient. Key Takeaways
Chelated iron protects iron from oxidation and precipitation, making it Chelated micronutrients improve availability by protecting nutrients
beneficial for greenhouse production, hydroponic systems, and high-pH from precipitation and oxidation. Plantex Iron Chelates and Plantex
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media. NutriTrace CSM Fertilizer are key tools for greenhouse growers looking
to prevent deficiencies and manage micronutrients in their crops. By
Choosing the Right Iron Chelate incorporating these highly effective products into their nutrient programs,
Based on pH growers can ensure their plants have access to necessary nutrients for
healthy growth and optimal yields.
Not all iron chelates perform equally. Chelate stability — and therefore
iron availability — is strongly influenced by root-zone pH.

Iron Chelate Relative pH Stability Typical Use
Fe-EDTA Lowest Stable between pH 1.5 - 6.5
Fe-DTPA Moderate Stable between pH 1.5 - 7
Fe-EDDHA High Stable between pH 3.5 - 10

Plantex Iron Chelates: A Solution for
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Greenhouse Growers

For greenhouse growers, incorporating Plantex Iron Chelates into their
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nutrient program ensures the availability of iron, even in challenging soil
conditions.
Plantex Iron 11% DTPA is ideal for a pH up to 7, ensuring that iron
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remains in a soluble, plant-available form preventing and correcting
deficiencies under mildly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions.