General Properties and Industrial Significance:
DTPA Fe 11% refers to a chelated iron product where iron (Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺) is bound to DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid), a chelating agent, with the iron content typically being around 11% by weight. The DTPA acts as a stabilizer, keeping the iron in a soluble form that is easily available to plants, particularly in soils where iron may otherwise be bound or insoluble, such as in alkaline or high-pH soils.
DTPA Fe 11% is a water-soluble, stable chelate of iron, where DTPA prevents the precipitation of iron, making it available for plant absorption.
It is typically 11% iron by weight, meaning that in 100 grams of the product, 11 grams are iron, and the remaining portion consists of the DTPA chelating agent and other stabilizers.
Applications:
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Agriculture (Iron Fertilizer):
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Iron Deficiency Correction: DTPA Fe 11% is primarily used to correct iron deficiencies in plants. Iron is an essential micronutrient for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. When plants lack iron, they exhibit symptoms of chlorosis, especially yellowing of younger leaves.
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Highly Effective in Alkaline Soils: Iron is often bound to other elements in soils with a high pH (alkaline soils), making it insoluble and unavailable to plants. DTPA Fe 11% helps keep iron in a soluble form, ensuring that it is accessible to plants.
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Plants Benefiting from DTPA Fe 11%: This product is especially useful for crops that are sensitive to iron chlorosis or are grown in soils that have difficulty providing available iron, such as:
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Citrus trees
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Tomatoes
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Corn
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Soybeans
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Vegetables
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Ornamental plants
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Application Methods:
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Soil Application: DTPA Fe 11% is commonly applied to the soil to correct iron deficiencies. It helps make iron more accessible in the soil, even in high-pH conditions.
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Foliar Spray: A foliar spray of DTPA Fe 11% can be used for rapid correction of iron chlorosis. The leaves absorb the chelated iron quickly, addressing immediate deficiencies.
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Fertigation: The product can also be delivered through irrigation systems, ensuring a consistent supply of iron to the plants.
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Hydroponics: In hydroponic systems, where nutrient uptake is crucial, DTPA Fe 11% helps provide plants with soluble, bioavailable iron.
Key Benefits:
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Prevents Iron Lock-Up:
In alkaline soils (pH > 7), iron often forms insoluble compounds that plants cannot absorb. DTPA Fe 11% prevents this iron lock-up by keeping the iron soluble and available to plants.
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Stable and Soluble:
The DTPA chelate ensures that iron remains in a stable, water-soluble form, making it easy for plants to take up the nutrient.
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Effective for a Wide Range of Plants:
DTPA Fe 11% is effective for a variety of plants, especially those that are sensitive to iron deficiency, as it helps prevent chlorosis and supports photosynthesis.
Summary:
DTPA Fe 11% is a chelated iron product used to correct iron deficiencies in plants. It contains 11% iron by weight, and the DTPA chelation ensures that the iron remains soluble and available, particularly in alkaline soils where iron might otherwise become unavailable. It is commonly applied via soil treatments, foliar sprays, fertigation, or in hydroponic systems to support healthy plant growth and prevent iron deficiency symptoms like chlorosis.