Why liquid chelates are a better option than spray-dried granulates for many applications.
In this article our partner – GoldMann will discuss aqueous EDTA/DTPA/EDDHSA/HEDTA/HGA micronutrient chelate complexes and concentrate application methods. If you’re interested in learning more about liquid micronutrient chelate, you’ll find their full range here: plant-nutrients.
Solid chelates, such as EDTA-FeNa (CAS 15708-41-5) or EDTA-ZnNa2 (CAS 73513-47-0), are formulated as Sodium salts. Solid chelate metal complexes are also known as EDTA complexes. The great advantage of solid EDTA complexes is that they form in aqueous and organic solvents, and are stable in both acidic and basic solutions. But on the other hand, solid EDTA complexes have limited solubility.
A useful example to demonstrate is the solid type of EDTA-FeNa,13% Fe, that shows a pH value in water of approximately 5 and a solubility of 90 g/L. This means the substance contains only 1.5% Fe w/w. Our EDTA-Iron Solution (EDTA-FeNH4 x NH4OH, CAS 68413-60-5), contains almost pH neutral iron. It is stable at 7.5% Fe and offers a small bioavailable nutrient share of nitrogen.
Therefore, the solid Na-containing EDTA chelates are preferably used as nutrient salt additives and this way dedicated for trace element supplements added into soluble NPKs. Our EDTA-based nutrient solutions, along with trace element mixes, are formulated as either Potassium or Ammonium salts and are highly concentrated.
They are water-miscible and resistant to the presence of phosphate and carbonate up to the alkaline range. In addition, they can be mixed with each other in any ratio and thus allow the formulation of liquid trace element mixtures or liquid complete fertilizers with almost limitless combinations. Due to their effectiveness and wide-ranging uses, they are commonly used in the cultivation of high-value crops and for seed drenching.
Due to increasing costs and scarcity of fossil fuels, the energy-intensive drying of water-soluble products is expected to decline, provided that transport distances of the product is sufficiently short.
In the current market situation, imported solid chelates appear cheaper in terms of trace element content. However, domestic production’s lower price tag and better bioavailability will make it more advantageous in the medium term. If you want to know more then you should contact PlusChem or GoldMann directly.
