Function of Chelators in Nutrient Supply to Plants

Author: Afsanabanu Manik, Honnappa, Umeshbabu B. S., Padmashree, Surekha S. and Anil Jadhav

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Abstract

Plants require several elements to grow, some of which are readily available through the air, such as oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. However, other essential elements such as magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc are not created through photosynthesis and must be extracted from the soil. Fertilizers and plant nutrition play an important role in improving crop yield and quality. However, the use of chemical fertilizers has raised significant concerns about their impact on plant, animal, human, and ecosystem health. Chelates were first introduced to human nutrition and then to animal nutrition to improve nutrient status and combat deficiencies, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) shortages. Chelates are organic compounds that help plants access nutrients that might otherwise be inaccessible due to soil conditions. The chelator molecule encases the ion (magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and others) and prevents it from reacting with other ions in the soil. Chelating agents protect metal ions from unwanted chemical reactions and improve their availability for plant roots. Different chelating agents exist, both synthetic and natural. Synthetic chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylenediamine di-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (EDDHA). Natural chelating agents include amino acids, organic acids, and phenolics. Each type of chelating agent has a distinct role in improving nutrient bioavailability for plant uptake. It is preferable to utilize an organic and inorganic chelator mix to improve plant performance and yield.

Keywords

Photosynthesis, Fertilizer, Plant nutrition, Organic compounds

Conclusion

Chelators play an important role in plant nutrition by increasing the availability of micronutrients to plants. They help accelerate growth, increase yield, and improve crop quality. Chelation is a process that enables micronutrient uptake in plant cells by bonding to micronutrients. Chelating agents such as EDTA, DTPA, EDDHA, fulvic acid, humic acid, and amino acids facilitate this process. There are several types of chelators used in agriculture, including synthetic and naturally occurring ones. Each type of chelator has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the soil type and crop requirements. The possible benefits of using chelators and minerals as an organic plant fertilizer include reduced plant nutrition costs, improved performance, and a high potential for antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Based on the results, it was proposed that, in order to get the best results in plant nutrition, the minerals might be supplemented in a combination of inorganic and organic sources at the two-third and one-third levels of requirements, respectively.

References

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How to cite this article

Afsanabanu Manik, Honnappa, Umeshbabu B. S., Padmashree, Surekha S. and Anil Jadhav (2023). Function of chelators in nutrient supply to plants. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 309-313.