Monday 20 March 2023

Difference between chelated and non chelated micro nutrients.

The main difference between chelated and non-chelated micronutrients is their availability for plant uptake.

Chelated micronutrients are those that are chemically bound to a chelating agent, such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), or EDDHA (ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid). This chelation process makes the micronutrient more stable and soluble in water, which enhances its availability for plant uptake. Chelated micronutrients can remain available to the plant for longer periods of time, even in alkaline soils, where non-chelated micronutrients become less available due to their precipitation.

Non-chelated micronutrients, on the other hand, are not bound to any chelating agent and are generally less stable and soluble in water. This makes them more prone to precipitation and adsorption onto soil particles, which reduces their availability for plant uptake. Non-chelated micronutrients are usually more soluble and available in acidic soils, but their availability can be limited in alkaline soils.

Chelated micronutrients are often preferred over non-chelated micronutrients in agriculture because they offer several advantages, such as increased stability and availability, greater control over the application rate, and better absorption by plants. However, chelated micronutrients can be more expensive than non-chelated micronutrients, and excessive use can lead to environmental pollution. Non-chelated micronutrients are generally more cost-effective and are suitable for some soil types and crops.

Radongrow Provides a Hydroponic Nutrient with a Balance amount of Chelated Micronutrients for Leafy greens, Fruting and Vine crops, and Flowering crops.

Iron Deficiency in plants.

Iron deficiency is a common problem in many crops and is one of the most common mineral nutrient deficiencies in plants. Iron is essential for many metabolic processes in plants, including photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen fixation. A deficiency of iron can lead to chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields.

The symptoms of iron deficiency are most apparent in the youngest leaves, which will turn yellow while the veins remain green. The leaves may also become brittle and show signs of necrosis (tissue death). In some plants, such as rice, the entire plant may take on a yellow appearance, which is known as "white chlorosis."

Iron deficiency can occur in soils that are alkaline, poorly aerated, or waterlogged. In alkaline soils, iron becomes insoluble and unavailable for plant uptake. In poorly aerated or waterlogged soils, the availability of iron to plants is reduced because the roots cannot take up enough oxygen to maintain the biochemical processes needed for iron uptake.

To address iron deficiency in plants, iron can be added to the soil in the form of iron chelates or ferrous sulfate. Iron can also be applied as a foliar spray. However, it is important to note that excessive amounts of iron can lead to toxicity in plants. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the iron levels in the soil and the plant tissue to avoid both deficiency and toxicity. Additionally, improving soil drainage and aeration can help to increase the availability of iron to plants.

Radongrow Provides a Hydroponic Nutrient with a Balance amount of Chelated Iron for Leafy greens, Fruting and Vine crops, and Flowering crops.

Iron Toxicity in Plants.

Iron toxicity in plants can occur when the concentration of iron in the soil is too high, or when the pH of the soil is low (acidic). In acidic soils, iron becomes more soluble and available for plant uptake, which can lead to excessive accumulation of iron in plant tissues.


The symptoms of iron toxicity in plants can vary depending on the plant species, but they generally include leaf bronzing, stunted growth, reduced yields, and tissue damage. In some cases, iron toxicity can cause leaf necrosis and death of the entire plant.

Iron toxicity can also lead to an imbalance in other nutrients, such as manganese, zinc, and copper, which can become unavailable for plant uptake when the concentration of iron in the soil is too high.

To address iron toxicity in plants, it is important to reduce the concentration of iron in the soil or adjust the pH of the soil to a more neutral range. This can be achieved by leaching the soil with water, adding lime to raise the soil pH, or adding organic matter to the soil to improve soil structure and nutrient availability. It is also important to avoid over-fertilizing with iron-containing fertilizers, especially in acidic soils. Soil testing and regular monitoring of plant health can help to identify iron toxicity early and prevent further damage to the plants.

Radongrow Provides a Hydroponic Nutrient with a Balance amount of Chelated Iron for Leafy greens, Fruting and Vine crops, and Flowering crops.


Iron Role in plants.

Iron is an essential micronutrient required for plant growth and development. It is a component of many enzymes involved in important metabolic processes, such as photosynthesis and respiration. Iron is also required for the synthesis of chlorophyll, the green pigment that is essential for photosynthesis.


Iron is primarily absorbed by plants in its ferrous (Fe2+) form. In most soils, iron is present in its ferric (Fe3+) form, which is insoluble and unavailable for plant uptake. However, some plants have developed mechanisms to acidify the soil around their roots, which converts the ferric form of iron to the ferrous form and makes it available for plant uptake.

Iron deficiency in plants can lead to chlorosis (yellowing) of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. The symptoms of iron deficiency are most apparent in the youngest leaves, which will turn yellow while the veins remain green.

Iron toxicity can also occur in plants when they are exposed to high levels of iron in the soil. This can lead to leaf bronzing, stunted growth, and reduced yields. Iron toxicity is more likely to occur in acidic soils, where iron is more soluble and available for plant uptake.

To address iron deficiency in plants, iron can be added to the soil in the form of iron chelates or ferrous sulfate. Iron can also be applied as a foliar spray. To address iron toxicity, it is important to reduce the amount of iron in the soil or adjust the soil pH to a more neutral range. In some cases, it may be necessary to leach the soil with water to remove excess iron.

Radongrow Provides a Hydroponic Nutrient with a Balance amount of Chelated Iron for Leafy greens, Fruting and Vine crops, and Flowering crops.

Sulfur toxicity in Plants

While sulfur is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, excessive amounts of sulfur in the soil can lead to toxicity in plants. Sulfur toxicity can occur when plants are exposed to high levels of sulfur in the soil or when they are treated with sulfur-containing pesticides or fungicides.


The symptoms of sulfur toxicity in plants include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and a reduced ability to photosynthesize. In severe cases, sulfur toxicity can cause plant death. Sulfur toxicity can also reduce the uptake of other essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, by plants.

Sulfur toxicity can occur in soils that have a high concentration of sulfur, such as soils in areas with volcanic activity or soils that have been heavily fertilized with sulfur-containing fertilizers. It can also occur in plants that are grown in areas with high levels of atmospheric sulfur dioxide, which can be emitted from industrial processes.

To address sulfur toxicity in plants, it is important to reduce the amount of sulfur in the soil or in the environment. This can be achieved by reducing the use of sulfur-containing fertilizers or pesticides, increasing the use of organic matter in the soil, and improving soil drainage to reduce the accumulation of sulfur in the soil. In some cases, it may be necessary to leach the soil with water to remove excess sulfur.

Radongrow Provides a Hydroponic Nutrient with a Balance amount of Sulfur for Leafy greens, Fruting and Vine crops, and Flowering crops.