Chelated Iron in Nutrient Absorption

Hydroponics is the art and science of growing plants without soil. It relies on nutrient-rich water solutions to provide essential minerals to plants. Among these nutrients, iron plays a role in the growth and development of plants. However, in hydroponic systems, ensuring the availability of iron can be challenging. This is where iron chelate comes into play, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption. 

Iron is an essential micronutrient for plants that plays a role in chlorophyll synthesis, a part of the photosynthesis process. It is also involved in the plant’s respiratory processes as a component of various enzymes and proteins. In addition to that, iron is a key element in the enzyme nitrogenase in leguminous plants as it aids in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.

In hydroponic systems, the availability of iron faces various challenges. Elevated pH levels diminish iron solubility, thereby impeding plant accessibility. Furthermore, iron is prone to rapid oxidation from its ferrous form (Fe 2+) to the insoluble ferric form (Fe 3+) and this poses an absorption challenge for plants. 

To address these challenges and ensure that iron remains available to plants, the process of chelation is used in hydroponic systems. Chelation is a chemical process where a metal ion (in this case, iron) is bound to an organic molecule (the chelating agent) to form a stable complex. This complex prevents the iron from precipitating out of the solution and keeps it in a form that plants can easily absorb. 

Iron chelate works by forming stable and soluble complexes with chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). These complexes remain soluble in water across a wide range of pH levels, particularly in the 6.0 to 7.0 range typical of hydroponic systems. The chelating agents also protect the iron from oxidizing into its less soluble ferric form, ensuring a continuous supply of the more plant-available ferrous form. On top of that, chelated iron is readily absorbed by plant roots which can take up the entire chelate complex and release the iron for utilization inside the plant.

Chelation ensures a consistent supply of iron which reduces the risk of deficiencies that can cause chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and stunted growth. Additionally, iron chelates are compatible with other nutrients in the hydroponic solution, preventing interactions that could render iron or other nutrients unavailable.

NutriHydro Iron Chelate plus Trace Elements product provides a stable and bioavailable form of iron which is easily integrated into nutrient solutions to maintain consistent iron levels even with pH fluctuations. To use NutriHydro’s Iron Chelate, add 2 mL per liter of water to the nutrient solution, mix with the nutrient solution concentrate, and regularly monitor pH and TDS levels to achieve optimal plant health and productivity.

Maximize Your Hydroponic Yield Today

Give your crops the iron boost they need for optimal health and growth. This ensures efficient nutrient absorption and prevents deficiencies. See here to discover how it will help you enhance your plant’s growth! 

For inquiries or further information about hydroponic cultivation and our product line, please visit our Facebook page, NutriHydro Plant Nutrients.

References: 

Rout, G. R., & Sahoo, S. (2015). ROLE OF IRON IN PLANT GROWTH AND METABOLISM. Reviews in Agricultural Science, 3(0), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.7831/ras.3.1

Interface Science and Technology. (2023). In Interface science and technology (pp. v–vi). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-18791-9.21002-7 

Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., & Kelishadi, R. (2014). Review on iron and its importance for human health. DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals). https://doaj.org/article/4b014b305f9a4865aef3b6d007d2219b 

Comprehensive biotechnology. (2011b). In Elsevier eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1016/c2009-1-03745-9 

Lucena, J. J. (2006b). Synthetic iron chelates to correct iron deficiency in plants. In Springer eBooks (pp. 103–128). https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-4743-6_5 

Dean Krauskopf, Michigan State University Extension, Southeast Michigan. (2007, May 10). Selecting which iron chelate to use. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/selecting_which_iron_chelate_to_use

Li, J., Cao, X., Jia, X., Liu, L., Cao, H., Qin, W., & Li, M. (2021). Iron Deficiency Leads to Chlorosis Through Impacting Chlorophyll Synthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism in Areca catechu L. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.710093