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Solutions
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Product Stability and pH
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| Different types of chelating agents are used in the Micronutrients product range. These are designated EDDHA, DTPA and EDTA. The type of chelating agent recommended depends mainly on the method of application, the crop, and the pH value of the soil or other growth media. The active pH ranges of the products are shown in figures 1 and 2. It is the sensitivity to the pH of the iron chelates which has necessitated the broad product range for Fe. For all other metals i.e. Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn mainly EDTA is used. For foliar application invariably EDTA is used as a chelating agent for all trace elements including iron. In hard water areas, Fe-DTPA is recommended. In soil application EDDHA are the preferable chelating agents for ensuring iron availability in alkaline soils. DTPA and EDTA are also effective in less alkaline or acidic soils (see figure 1). For the other trace elements EDTA is the most common chelating agent (see figure 2).
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*except at high Ca levels
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| Fig 1: pH stabilities of iron (Fe3+) chelates in practical conditions
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Fig 2: pH stabilities of non-iron EDTA chelates in practical conditions
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Plant sensitivity
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Our micronutrients are fully chelated and completely soluble in water. Some of them can be applied directly to the soil for root uptake, others via foliar sprays. They are compatible with a wide range of fertilizers and pesticides. Some are also eminently suited for use in soilless cultures (hydroponics), as there is no formation of precipitates within the active pH ranges. The most effective method of application will depend on location conditions, particularly the pH value of the soil or growth medium.
Chelated micronutrients are most commonly applied in solution with liquid fertilizers and/or pesticides. However, micronutrients can also be applied alone. Chelated micronutrients are often more effective than trace elements from inorganic sources. This may be largely because chelates not only guarantee the availability of micronutrients, but also facilitate absorption of the trace elements by the leaves.
The EC value (Electrical Conductivity) is important for foliar feed products: the lower the EC, the less the chance of leaf scorching.
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Micronutrient Sensitivity
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B
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Cu
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Fe
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Mn
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Mo
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Zn
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| Alfalfa
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H
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H
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M
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M
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M
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L
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| Apples
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H
|
M
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M
|
H
|
L
|
H
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| Asparagus
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L
|
L
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M
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L
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L
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L
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| Barley
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L
|
H
|
H
|
M
|
L
|
M
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| Beans
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L
|
L
|
H
|
H
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L
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H
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| Broccoli
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M
|
M
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H
|
M
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M
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M
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| Cabbage
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M
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M
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M
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M
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M
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M
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| Clover
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M
|
M
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M
|
M
|
H
|
M
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| Cotton
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M
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M
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L
|
H
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L
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H
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| Carrots
|
M
|
H
|
M
|
M
|
L
|
L
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| Corn
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L
|
M
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M
|
L
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L
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H
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| Grapefruit
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L
|
H
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H
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H
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M
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H
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| Grapes
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M
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M
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H
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H
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L
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L
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| Oranges
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L
|
H
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H
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H
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M
|
H
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| Oats
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L
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H
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M
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H
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H
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L
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B
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Cu
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Fe
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Mn
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Mo
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Zn
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| Pears
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M
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M
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M
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M
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L
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M
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| Potato
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L
|
M
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M
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M
|
L
|
H
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| Radish
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M
|
M
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M
|
H
|
M
|
L
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| Rye
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L
|
H
|
M
|
L
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L
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L
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| Roses
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H
|
M
|
H
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H
|
L
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H
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| Raspberries
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M
|
M
|
H
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H
|
L
|
M
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| Sugar Beet
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H
|
M
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H
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H
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M
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M
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| Sweet Corn
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L
|
M
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M
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M
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L
|
H
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| Spinach
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M
|
L
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H
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H
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H
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L
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| Spearmint
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L
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H
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L
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M
|
L
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L
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| Soybean
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L
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M
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H
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H
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M
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M
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| Turnip
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H
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M
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M
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M
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M
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M
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| Table Reet
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H
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H
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H
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H
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M
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M
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| Tomato
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M
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M
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H
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M
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M
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M
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| Wheat
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L
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H
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L
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H
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L
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M
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