General Properties and Industrial Significance:
EDTA-Mn(NH₄)₂ is a manganese chelate, where manganese (Mn²⁺) is bound to EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), and the complex is neutralized with two ammonium (NH₄⁺) ions. It is a water-soluble, stable form of manganese, primarily used in agricultural applications to provide manganese to plants in a bioavailable form.
EDTA-Mn(NH₄)₂ is a chelated form of manganese designed to prevent the metal from precipitating or becoming unavailable to plants, especially in soils with high pH.The ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) help balance the charge of the complex, allowing for the stable solubility of manganese.
Applications:
-
Agriculture:
-
Manganese deficiency correction: It is used to prevent or correct manganese deficiencies (often seen as interveinal chlorosis, especially in young leaves) in plants such as citrus, corn, soybeans, and vegetables.
-
Manganese is crucial for:
-
Photosynthesis (as part of the oxygen-evolving complex in chloroplasts).
-
Enzyme activation (important for various metabolic processes).
-
Nitrogen metabolism.
-
Protein synthesis.
-
-
Application Methods:
-
Soil application: Applied directly to the soil to correct deficiencies.
-
Foliar sprays: Applied directly to the plant leaves for quick absorption.
-
Fertigation: Delivered via irrigation systems for consistent nutrient supply.
-
Hydroponics: Used in water-based growing systems where manganese must be kept in soluble form.
Key Benefits:
-
Prevents manganese lock-up:
In high pH or alkaline soils, manganese often becomes insoluble. The EDTA chelation keeps it plant-available.
-
Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺):
While primarily used to balance the charge, the ammonium ions also provide a small nitrogen source to plants, which may benefit growth.
-
Effective in a wide range of pH:
Particularly useful in neutral to slightly alkaline soils where manganese might be tied up by other elements like phosphorus or calcium.
Summary:
EDTA-Mn(NH₄)₂ is a manganese fertilizer that ensures manganese stays in a form that plants can easily absorb, particularly in soils where manganese tends to become insoluble. The inclusion of ammonium adds some extra benefit, as it helps with nitrogen needs in certain crops.