Chelated fertilizers

In this article, you will learn what chelated fertilizers are, what is the difference between chelated fertilizers and conventional fertilizers, why they are applied, how to use them and how to prepare them.

Trace elements and their role in plant life

First of all, these are elements that nourish plants, they are necessary for plants for life, along with potassium, aluminum, magnesium and phosphorus. Unlike basic elements, micro is not required in large quantities, hence the name. Therefore, fertilizing based on microelements is micronutrient fertilizers.

The most important elements for a comfortable plant life

There are many trace elements, but here are the most important for the life of plants: 1) iron; 2) manganese; 3) copper; 4) zinc; 5) boron; 6) molybdenum; and 7) cobalt, each has a name in the periodic table, it can be easily viewed.

These elements affect many processes in the plant, for example, the synthesis of chlorophyll, the exchange and movement of macroelements in the plant, the activation of various enzymes, and much more. Also, trace elements stabilize the condition of plants, growth and development, help with diseases, infections and attacks by harmful insects, they are also important for normal productivity.

Why is the lack of necessary elements dangerous?

As a rule, the lack of trace elements affects the state of the plant, therefore, it will not be difficult to understand what is missing even without soil analysis.

• If not enough - ferrous elements
  Lack of iron. Signs: leaves turn yellow, inflorescences are small, branches and shoots begin to dry out.
• If not enough - boric elements
  Boron deficiency. Signs: buds and young ones lose their growth rate, leaves begin to fall off, cracks begin to spread along the stems, roots darken.
• If not enough - manganese elements
  Lack of manganese. Growth is greatly slowed down and the leaves become lighter in several tones, a gray spot appears.
• If not enough - copper elements
  Lack of copper affects the growth rate of plants and inflorescences. The formation of seeds and grains of plants occurs incorrectly.
• If not enough - cobalt elements
  During the period of cobalt deficiency, growth and leaves suffer, they begin to curl. Leaves may also begin to fall off.
• If not enough - zinc elements
  With a lack of zinc in the plant, chlorosis can be observed, growth is also inhibited and the shape and color of the fruit changes.
• If not enough - molybdenum elements
  When a plant lacks molybdenum, whitish spots and perforations appear on the leaves, and the leaves also change and deform.

The importance of trace elements in the soil

In an ideal model of the world, all the necessary elements are contained in the soil from the very beginning, but in life this is not always the case.Due to planting, even the most fertile soil in the world can lose its properties after a few years. Of course, the depleted soil, like the plant in it, requires additional fertilizing that a person gives.

What are microelements for?

Your plants need trace elements for life, which means that they will be absolutely necessary at all stages of growth and development. What microfertilizers you need, now we'll figure it out.

Trace elements in fertilizers and dressings

Previously, all trace elements in the composition of dressings were inorganic, namely insoluble salts. Unfortunately, in this case, the plants will not be able to accept and absorb fertilizers well. Salt and soil often created reactions as a result of which compounds indigestible to plants were formed. Such compounds are toxic and require additional processing to be absorbed. It turned out that the doses of micronutrient fertilizers had to be too large, as a consequence, the soil ceased to be suitable for planting any crops.

New chelated fertilizers

Since we live in the twenty-first century, and science is constantly inventing something new, chelated fertilizers have appeared, they are easy to use and affordable for gardeners.

With the use of chelated fertilizers, the plants began to absorb microelements several times better, the figure rose to ninety percent. Due to this, chemical treatments are reduced and this is a positive result for the soil.

What do chelated fertilizers mean?

Chelates are complexes of organic compounds that contain a chelating enzyme (capture enzyme). With the help of this enzyme, the ions of microelements from the dressings remain for a sufficient time in a dissolved state, which allows the plants to absorb them, and only then the "shell" opens and the ion remains in the plant itself, remaining in a form accessible to plants. The chemical compounds obtained after the decay of ions are well absorbed by plants.

Chelated fertilizers: video

Complexes of a chelating enzyme and a trace element

Such complexes of a chelating enzyme and a trace element are harmless to plants of any age because they are similar to the structure of natural substances. Fertilizers in a chelated form enter into chemical reactions only in the plant itself, bypassing various substances contained in the soil. Now the seeds are processed with just such complexes, the plants are fed and they can be used for irrigation.

Chelated fertilizers can be varied. They differ in the degree of acidity, the strength of attraction between ions and in stability. It is important to choose fertilizers that are suitable for the acidity of your soil.

The best chelated fertilizers: types and names

There are several options.

Chelated fertilizers: photo

• For acidity levels from four and a half to eleven, hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid is suitable.
• For acidity levels from three to ten, one is suitable.
• For acidity levels from one and a half to seven, dtra will do.
• For acidity levels from one and a half to six, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid will do.

As in the case of mineral fertilizers, fertilizers in chelated form are single (based on one element) and complex (containing several elements, it can be an aqueous solution with a trace element). It is important to consider what the planting needs and what kind of soil on your site.

What are the tips for using chelates? Now you will find out when and how to fertilize so as not to harm the plants.

In the case of stratification of planting material

Used for disinfecting seeds before planting, the seeds also become more viable and will grow better.

During the flowering period

During flowering, chelated fertilizers will help reduce the flowering period, increase the plant's immunity from diseases and insects, and increase the number of ovaries.

In case of combined use of chelated fertilizers with pesticides

Applications with pesticides... With the help of such a complex it is possible to "calm down" the plants after chemical preparations. Pest prevention is also carried out.

In the case of processing ripe fruits

In this case, the processing of fruits with chelated fertilizers is needed to increase yields, improve product quality and improve storage.

For indoor plants

If you are not a summer resident, but want to try fertilizers in a chelated worm, then this can be done in an apartment / house. In any case, the plants will thank you. They are also very fond of such fertilizers roses and bloom right before our eyes.

How to use chelated fertilizers correctly

Most of all, such dressings will be able to help the seeds, this is the most important treatment. Further, foliar and root feeding are important when the growing season is in progress. If the substances of your usual fertilizers react normally with chelated ones, then you can apply them together, this will not harm the plants.

Attention! It is imperative to read the instructions when working with any drugs. They contain the composition and all the most important.

Treatment options with chelated fertilizers

• Seed soaking solution.
• Root feeding, perhaps a small part of the elements will remain in the ground, but this is not critical.
• Foliar fertilizers are very good, plants absorb nutrients through the leaves and the percentage of disappearance of trace elements is very small.
• Irrigation treatment, differently drip irrigation. A good way, all the elements are delivered directly to the plant roots.
• Handmade fertilizers with chelates

Liquid chelated fertilizers are usually found in stores. They are good because they are easy to process. Powders are not so convenient because you need to measure the appropriate concentration for them, they just do not have any effect.

How to make chelated fertilizers at home

Making chelated fertilizers at home is not that difficult, and you can do it. Now you will learn how to do it correctly. There are several stages.

• Eight grams of copper sulfate is dissolved in two liters of heated and distilled water.
• Dissolve five grams of citrate in two liters of liquid.
• Pour the solution with sulfate gradually and gently into the second solution.
• Also, stirring and a stream, you need to add another liter of water to the mixture.
• The resulting solution is to be used immediately, it is called a half-percent solution.
• Copper chelate is mixed in exactly the same way, twenty grams of copper sulfate and forty grams of vitamin C are taken.

Still, such homemade solutions are best used for prophylaxis; they are not suitable for urgent treatment of various diseases. It is important to remember that solutions cannot be stored.

Conclusion

You have learned about a new, safe and effective form of chelated fertilizer. They will really help your plants in the forehead stage of development. The price may not suit everyone, it often seems to people that they are too expensive, but the result is appropriate. I hope you enjoy your chelated plants even more. Don't be afraid and try.

Chelated fertilizers: video