Iron ore plays a key role in chlorophyll production and enzyme functions, helping plants grow healthy and green. However, not all soils allow easy absorption of iron. When plants don’t get the nutrients they need, it shows: leaves turn yellow, growth slows, and crop yields suffer.
That’s where chelated iron fertilizers come into play. Iron deficiency is a common issue, especially in soils with high pH, where nutrients can get locked away. That’s where chelated iron fertilizers like Fe EDTA and EDDHA come in. In these products, iron is chemically bonded with a protective agent that prevents it from reacting with other elements in the soil. This keeps the iron soluble and available for plant uptake.
What Is Fe EDTA?
Fe EDTA (Iron Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a common form of iron EDTA used in farming. It’s best suited for slightly acidic to neutral soils (with a pH of up to 6.5). In these conditions, Fe EDTA keeps iron stable and available to plants.
Advantages of Fe EDTA:
- Cost-effective and widely available.
- Suitable for many crops and hydroponic systems.
- Works well when sprayed on leaves or added to irrigation water.
Limitations:
- Not very effective in alkaline soils (pH above 7.0), where iron quickly becomes unavailable to plants.
- Breaks down in sunlight if applied to leaves.
What is EDDHA?
EDDHA (Ethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)) is a stronger chelating agent than EDTA. It is especially useful in high pH or alkaline soils.
Advantages of EDDHA:
- Works in a wider pH range (up to 9.0), making it perfect for calcareous and alkaline soils.
- Long-lasting effect in the soil
- Great for correcting severe iron deficiency.
Limitations:
- Slightly more expensive than Fe EDTA
- Not always necessary in acidic or neutral soils.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice between Fe EDTA and EDDHA depends mostly on your soil type and budget.
- If your soil has a pH below 6.5, Fe EDTA is usually enough.
- If your soil is alkaline (pH above 7.0), EDDHA is the better option.
- If you’re unsure about your soil pH, consider getting a soil test done before selecting your iron fertilizer.
You can also combine both types depending on your crop needs, or mix them with other chelated micronutrients to create a complete chelated micronutrient fertilizer solution.
The Role of Chelate Manufacturers in India
Choosing the right form of iron is just one part of the puzzle. Plants also need balanced nutrition with other chelated micronutrients like zinc, manganese, and copper for overall growth and health. As more farmers turn to advanced nutrition methods, many chelate manufacturers in India are offering customized solutions. They help in blending iron EDTA, EDDHA, and other micronutrients to suit different crops and soil types.
Choosing the right fertilizer partner ensures you get consistent product quality and technical support. ACI’s wide range of chelated micronutrients is designed to work across various soil conditions, helping farmers boost yield and improve crop quality with precision-based nutrition.
Both Fe EDTA and EDDHA serve an important role in plant nutrition. The key is to match the product with your soil type and crop needs. While iron EDTA is suitable for neutral to acidic soils, EDDHA is ideal for high-pH, alkaline conditions.
Understanding the difference helps farmers make smarter choices and achieve better results in the field. Want to make the right choice for your crops? Explore ACI’s range of chelated micronutrient fertilizers and find the solution that fits your soil best.
