When gardeners inquire about “kelat,” they are referring to “chelation,” a process that significantly impacts plant nutrition. Chelation involves a unique chemical interaction that makes essential plant nutrients more accessible for uptake. This article explores the science behind chelation, its importance for plant vitality, the types of chelated products available, and ways to use them in your garden.
What is Chelation
Chelation describes a chemical process where a larger organic molecule, known as a chelating agent or ligand, forms a stable, ring-like structure around a metal ion, such as a plant nutrient. This is often visualized as the chelating agent “holding” the nutrient, much like a lobster’s claw grasps an object. The word “chelate” originates from the Greek word “chele,” meaning “claw,” illustrating this binding action. This protective embrace prevents the metal ion from reacting with other elements in the soil, which would otherwise render it insoluble and unavailable to plant roots. By forming a chelate, the nutrient remains soluble in the soil solution, allowing plants to absorb it efficiently.
Why Chelation Matters for Plants
Many essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, can become unavailable to plants in certain soil environments. This problem is especially prevalent in alkaline soils, characterized by a high pH, where these metal ions tend to precipitate and become insoluble. Chelation directly addresses this issue by keeping these micronutrients in a soluble form, ensuring plants can access them. For instance, iron deficiency, seen as yellowing leaves with green veins (iron chlorosis), is a common problem in high pH soils that chelated iron can prevent or correct. Ensuring the availability of these nutrients supports robust plant growth, improved yields, and better overall plant health.
Types of Chelated Fertilizers
Commercially, chelated fertilizers utilize various chelating agents, both synthetic and naturally occurring. Synthetic chelates commonly include EDTA, DTPA, and EDDHA. These agents differ in their stability across various soil pH ranges; for example, EDDHA is highly effective in highly alkaline soils, maintaining nutrient availability even at high pH levels.
Naturally occurring chelates also play a significant role in nutrient availability. Humic and fulvic acids, derived from decomposed organic matter, are natural chelating agents. Fulvic acid, with its small molecular weight, can easily penetrate plant cells and transport minerals, while humic acid can absorb nutrients and release them slowly. Amino acids also function as natural chelators, binding to minerals and enhancing their absorption by plants. The selection of a chelated fertilizer depends on the specific nutrient needed, the soil’s pH, and the desired application method.
Using Chelated Nutrients in Your Garden
Applying chelated nutrients to your garden can be done through two primary methods: soil drench and foliar spray. A soil drench involves mixing the chelated fertilizer with water and applying it directly to the soil around the plant’s root zone, allowing roots to absorb the nutrients. This method provides a sustained release of nutrients to the plant over time. Foliar application involves spraying the diluted chelated solution directly onto the plant leaves, where nutrients can be absorbed through the foliage.
Foliar sprays can offer a quicker response for plants showing immediate signs of nutrient deficiency, as leaves can absorb nutrients more rapidly than roots. When using any chelated nutrient product, following the manufacturer’s specific instructions for dilution rates and application frequency is important. Over-application should be avoided, as it can potentially harm plants and waste product. Understanding your soil’s pH can also help in selecting the most effective chelated product for your garden’s specific needs.