General Properties and Industrial Significance:
DTPA 5 Na (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid 5 Sodium) refers to a chelated form of micronutrients in which DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) is neutralized with five sodium ions (Na⁺) to form a stable, water-soluble complex. This complex is used to keep essential micronutrients, particularly iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), available to plants in agricultural settings.
DTPA 5 Na is essentially the sodium salt form of DTPA. The “5 Na” means that five sodium ions are used to neutralize the chelate.
It’s a stable, water-soluble chelate, commonly used in fertilizers to ensure the bioavailability of micronutrients to plants.
The sodium helps balance the charge of the DTPA complex, making it more stable and soluble in water.
Applications:
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Agriculture (Micronutrient Fertilizer):
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Micronutrient Chelation: The primary use of DTPA 5 Na is to chelate (bind) essential micronutrients, ensuring they are soluble and available to plants.
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Iron (Fe): Prevents iron deficiency chlorosis (yellowing of plant leaves) by keeping iron in a form that plants can absorb.
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Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu): These nutrients are also essential for various plant processes and are chelated by DTPA for efficient uptake.
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Iron Deficiency Correction: DTPA 5 Na is highly effective in correcting iron deficiencies in alkaline soils, where iron often becomes insoluble and unavailable to plants.
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Soil Application:
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DTPA 5 Na is applied to the soil to ensure the solubility and availability of micronutrients, especially in high pH soils (alkaline conditions), where nutrients like iron often become bound and unavailable to plants.
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Foliar Application:
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Foliar sprays of DTPA 5 Na are applied directly to plant leaves for quick absorption of essential micronutrients, particularly iron, to address deficiencies in a more immediate manner.
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Hydroponics:
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Used in hydroponic systems, where micronutrient availability is crucial, DTPA 5 Na helps ensure the proper supply of nutrients in water-based growing environments.
Key Benefits:
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Stable and Water-Soluble:
The sodium form of DTPA creates a stable and soluble complex, ensuring the nutrients remain available to plants.
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Effective in Alkaline Soils:
It’s particularly useful in alkaline soils (pH > 7), where iron and other micronutrients become insoluble and unavailable to plants.
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Prevents Nutrient Lock-Up:
Helps prevent nutrient lock-up, ensuring that nutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese remain bioavailable to plants.
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Convenient Application:
Can be applied via soil, foliar, or fertigation (through irrigation systems), offering flexibility in use.
Summary:
DTPA 5 Na is a sodium-chelated form of DTPA, primarily used in agriculture to supply micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper to plants. It is especially effective in alkaline soils, where these micronutrients tend to become insoluble, ensuring that they remain available for plant uptake. It can be applied in soil treatments, foliar sprays, or hydroponic systems.