In recent years, chelated fertilizers have gained increasing attention among agricultural inputs. Their core advantage lies in improving fertilizer utilization efficiency. Common chelated trace elements on the market include iron, zinc, molybdenum, silicon, boron, and calcium.
Compared to traditional inorganic micronutrients, chelated fertilizers offer significant advantages: they are not easily fixed in the soil, have high solubility, and do not dissociate, allowing for efficient plant absorption. Furthermore, they can be mixed with other solid or liquid fertilizers without chemical reactions, ensuring fertilization effectiveness. However, there are also cases of small manufacturers falsely advertising chelation. Let’s uncover the true nature of chelation.
In chemistry, chelation refers to the process by which a complex securely holds a metal ion through its ligand, similar to the claws of a crab. This process not only forms a ring structure but also ensures a stable bond between the metal ion and the ligand. Simply put, chelation involves the binding of two or more coordinating atoms to a central ion, forming a ring-shaped complex. This binding method gives chelates high solubility and stability in soil, helping plants efficiently absorb and utilize nutrients.
There are many types of chelates, but in fertilizers, EDTA chelates and sugar alcohol chelates are two common types.
EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C10H16N2O8. It forms chelates with many metal ions, increasing their solubility and making them more readily absorbed by crops. Therefore, EDTA-chelated fertilizers are widely used in agriculture. Sugar alcohol chelated fertilizers are also an important option. They are primarily composed of mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, and glycerol mixed with nutrients required by crops. Sugar alcohol chelated fertilizers are particularly effective in carrying and transporting elements that are difficult to transport in the body, such as boron and calcium. These fertilizers are not only harmless to plants and humans, but also have a low molecular weight and are easily absorbed by leaves, allowing nutrients to enter the plant efficiently. It can be said that sugar alcohol chelated fertilizers are an upgraded version of EDTA chelation, offering superior performance and effectiveness.
With the advancement of technology, new chelated fertilizers such as amino acids and citric acid are gradually entering the agricultural input market. These products are not only environmentally friendly and residue-free, but also offer excellent nutrient absorption and low raw material costs. They align with the emerging trend of “green, organic, and ecological” agricultural development and demonstrate significant advantages and potential. The unique mechanism of action of amino acid chelates lies in their ability to effectively prevent the precipitation or adsorption of mineral elements by antagonistic factors and other interfering factors in the intestinal lumen upon entry into the digestive tract. These chelates penetrate directly into the small intestine and undergo hydrolysis at specific absorption sites. During this process, the metal elements are absorbed as ions by intestinal epithelial cells and enter the bloodstream. Therefore, compared to traditional inorganic salts (such as zinc sulfate) and simple organic metal salts (such as zinc gluconate), amino acid chelates exhibit superior chemical stability, high bioavailability, excellent solubility, and ease of digestion and absorption, while also ensuring no toxic side effects.
Advantages of Biochelates
Chemical Stability
Amino acid chelates exhibit exceptional chemical stability. The chelation of metal ions with amino acids creates a robust chemical structure, protecting the metal ions from attack by other components and gastric acid in the digestive tract. This maintains the biological activity of the metal ions and significantly promotes their comprehensive absorption. Therefore, amino acid chelates exhibit exceptional chemical stability.
Biomassage
Amino acid chelates not only serve as the primary means of metal absorption but also serve as crucial intermediates in protein synthesis in animals. They directly increase absorption rates, reaching 2-3 times the rate of inorganic salts. They also simplify biochemical processes, reduce consumption, and significantly enhance bioavailability. Therefore, amino acid chelates offer significant advantages in bioavailability.
Safety
Amino acid chelates are highly regarded for their non-toxic and non-irritating properties. Unlike trace elements in the form of inorganic salts or simple organic salts, amino acid chelates do not interfere with intestinal pH and the body’s acid-base balance, thus avoiding adverse irritation. In fact, amino acid chelates are normal intermediate products of biochemical metabolism in the body, so they have almost no adverse effects on gastrointestinal absorption and digestion processes, ensuring their safety.
