Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy Generator

EDTA FeNH4

General Properties and Industrial Significance:

EDTA-FeNH₄ is a chelated iron compound, where iron (Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺) is bound to EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and the complex is neutralized with ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions. It is a water-soluble and stable form of iron, used to supply plants with bioavailable iron.

EDTA-FeNH₄ is a chelated iron fertilizer. The EDTA helps keep the iron in a form that remains soluble and plant-available, even in high pH soils, where iron would normally precipitate and become unavailable.

The ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) balance the charge of the chelate and also provide a small source of nitrogen for plant nutrition.



Applications:

  • Agriculture:

  1. Iron deficiency correction (chlorosis): Iron is crucial for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. When plants have a lack of available iron, they show signs of chlorosis (yellowing leaves, especially between the veins). EDTA-FeNH₄ is used to prevent or correct iron deficiencies in plants.
  2. Commonly used in crops like:
    • Citrus
    • Tomatoes
    • Soybeans
    • Ornamental plants
    • Vegetables (e.g., lettuce, corn, and beans)

  • Application Methods:

  1. Soil application: Applied directly to the soil to provide bioavailable iron.
  2. Foliar spray: Applied to the leaves for quick absorption of iron.
  3. Fertigation: Delivered through irrigation systems to maintain consistent nutrient supply.
  4. Hydroponics: In water-based growing systems, where keeping iron in a soluble form is essential.
 

Key Benefits:

  • Prevents iron lock-up: 

EDTA helps prevent the precipitation of iron, particularly in alkaline soils, ensuring that iron remains in a plant-available form.

  • Ammonium (NH₄⁺):

The ammonium ions serve as a small nitrogen source, which can be beneficial for the plant's overall growth and nitrogen metabolism.

  • Effective in a wide pH range:

Particularly useful in neutral to slightly alkaline soils, where iron tends to become insoluble and unavailable to plants.

Summary:

EDTA-FeNH₄ is a chelated form of iron that provides a plant-available source of iron to correct iron deficiencies in crops. The EDTA chelation keeps the iron soluble, while the ammonium ions provide additional nitrogen for plant nutrition, especially in soils with higher pH where iron availability is typically a concern.