ISHS Acta Horticulturae 648: South Pacific Soilless Culture Conference - SPSCC
CHELATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN SOILLESS CULTURE |
| Authors: | J.F.P. van de Goor, M.H.J. Bugter, A.M. Reichwein |
| Abstract:
Soilless culture is a highly advanced agricultural technique, in which all nutrients must be supplied in the nutrient solution. Chelating agents are organic molecules, which keep micronutrients in solution by avoiding precipitation and reactions. Chelation of iron is essential in soilless culture, and the type of chelating agent should be chosen carefully for iron, based on the pH stability and expected levels of metal exchanges. Iron-DTPA normally is the product of choice in substrate systems. The influence of chelation of the other micronutrients - manganese, zinc and copper – is also described. The use of manganese-, copper- and zinc sulfates gives rise to metal exchange, resulting in a loss of iron. Chelation of manganese, zinc and copper will prevent the iron from dropping out: up to a pH of 7 all iron will remain chelated. | |
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