minerals

Chelate is a derivative from the Greek word “chele” – meaning claw.

The function of a Chelate (organic complex) is to chemically combine the positive-charged cation (zinc, manganese, iron, copper, magnesium or calcium) with an organic, negative charged chelating agent. The organic molecule surrounds the positive charged metal and protects the new Chelated form of cation from chemical tie up in the soil – or in the fertiliser spray tank.

The following diagram shows the chemistry of chelation and the reason Chelated micronutrients resist chemical tie up from phosphate fertilisers and high pH soils.

Trace elements are essential nutrients and their relative deficiency or excess can potentially influence optimum development to a considerable extent.

• There are always trace elements in the soil but the supplies may be inadequate for agriculture.
• There may be an imbalance of nutrients.
• The essential elements may not be available for a number of reasons.

Whatever the cause, disturbances in trace element nutrition results in great economic loss in many parts of Australia, by preventing proper stock and crop development.