Iron Fe 2
Posted: Sunday, December 12, 2010
by Robert Wright
UsaveHydroponics
Micronutrient: Iron
Molecular Form: Fe
Ionic Charge: Fe+2 (Fe (II), Fe+3 (Fe III). Iron is considered a transition metal, and therefor has more than one positive charge. Iron can have a charge of either +2 or a +3 charge. The way it is written then is with the Roman Numerals in parenthesis after the symbol.
Possible Sources: Parent material of various decomposed rocks. Iron sulfate and chelated iron fertilizers.
Functions of nutrition in plants:
Iron is the trace element used the greatest amount by plants>
1. It is part of many enzymes necessary in the formation of a number of chemicals, especially chlorophyll which is needed for photosynthesis and gives the plant its green color.
2. Iron compounds transfer electrons during many of the reactions involved in respiration and photosynthesis.
3. Iron is used by enzymes to regulate transpiration in plants.
Deficiency of Iron: The symptoms of iron deficiency, called iron chlorosis, can be confused with other nutrients deficiencies such as nitrogen, manganese or even zinc. Iron chlorosis is the yellowing of leaves. A visual check for iron deficiency is the new growth of leaves turn yellow but the veins on the leaves are dark green still. In severe cases of iron deficiency the new growth leaves will turn completely yellow and may carry over into the older growth leaves and they will turn yellow to brown. The best way to confirm that a plant has iron deficiency or manganese, since they share similar symptoms, is get the soil tested.
Correcting: Soil application of iron-containing compounds to eliminate iron deficiency has not been economically possible on a field scale. Iron chelates are available that will correct iron deficiency rates of 5 to 10 pounds of metallic iron per acre, but they are too expensive to use on field Crops. Many nurseries and home improvement stores sell liquid and power applications to correct iron deficiency for the small scale gardener or landscaper. Different types of chelating agents are used and are designated as EDDHMA, EDDHA, HEDTA, DTPA and EDTA. The type of chelating agent recommended depends mainly on the pH value of the soil. In soil application EDDHA and EDDHMA are preferable chelating agents for ensuring iron availability in alkaline soils. Chelates of HEDTA, DTPA and EDTA are effective in less alkaline or slightly acidic soils. The most common chelating agent is EDTA. Chelated irons are more expensive but last much longer. They can be found in liquid, power or granular forms. Different agents will have different percentages of iron in the product. Read the label before you apply any product to your plants or lawn.
Application recommendation for plants: (1) soil pH can be lowered to free the iron (2) soluble iron compounds such as iron sulfate may be mixed into the soil, sprayed on leaves as a foliar spray, or even injected into the trunks of trees; (3) artificially prepared chelates may be used in the same way; (4) Animal manures can be mixed into the soil.
Author: Robert R. Wright
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