Chelates and trace elements – spark plugs for plants

Compounds based on trace elements and a chelating agent are called chelates. They are widely used due to their ability to provide cultivated plants with additional nutrition, which increases yields.

The term was coined by chemists Morgan and Drew in the early 20th century.

Why chelates

Organic chemistry is a combination of chemical elements. Living organisms can be used to visually study the periodic table. Plants are food for most animals on earth, synthesizing missing trace elements, including some expensive metals.

Almost all naturally occurring metals are essential building materials for the body.

These are, first of all:

• iron;
• copper;
• zinc;
• aluminum, etc.

Trace elements are the trigger for metabolic processes such as protein creation and the smooth operation of DNA. The plant assimilates the building material from the soil, therefore its composition is very important for the entire food chain. Chelated fertilizers act as a supplier of specific enzymes that are required for proper plant growth.

Inorganic salts and chelates – which is more effective?

The structure of chelates is almost identical to the natural structure – which is why chelates are biologically active and have excellent digestibility. A large number of known substances are natural in origin – vitamin B12, chlorophyll.

CHELATES are organometallic complexes in which the chylating agent firmly holds the metal ion in a soluble state until it enters the plant.

Chelating agent and its role

In chelates, the process of binding metal atoms takes place. This function is performed by a chelating agent using a claw – a ligand. This is a chemical compound, which, in addition to catalyzing metabolic processes, plays the role of a body cleaner from poisonous and radioactive metals and dissolves kidney stones.

Chelates differ in their properties, while the type of chelating agent strongly affects the efficiency of fertilization, the degree of assimilation of trace elements by plants.

For vegetable crops, chelates are especially effective at the beginning of cultivation.

Perspectives

Modern research has shown that chelated micronutrient fertilizers are optimally absorbed by all plants. Therefore, work is underway to expand the micronutrient base. Some fertilizers use over 20 different elements. Their synthesis in plants has not yet been fully studied.