Sodium Ferric Eddha (EDDHA Fe 6%) is a chelated iron fertilizer widely used in agriculture and horticulture, particularly in alkaline or calcareous soils, to help correct and prevent iron deficiency in plants.
Below is a detailed introduction to its properties:
1. Physical Properties
Appearance: Red-brown or dark brown powder or granules.
Solubility: Easily soluble in water, forming a red or orange-red solution upon dissolution.
Odor: Generally odorless or with a slight chemical smell.
Density: Approximately 0.65-0.85 g/cm³, with variations depending on the form (granules or powder).
pH Value: The pH of its water solution typically ranges between 7-9.
2. Chemical Properties
Chelate Structure
CAS No.: 16455-61-1
Molecular Formula: The molecular formula is C₁₈H₁₆N₂O₆FeNa.
Chelation Structure: EDDHA (Ethylenediamine di(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)) acts as a chelating agent, binding with trivalent iron (Fe³⁺) to form a stable chelate.
Stability: EDDHA Fe 6% provides high stability in soil, particularly in alkaline soils (with a pH up to 9), where it maintains the solubility and bioavailability of iron for plant absorption.
Chelation Mechanism: As a chelating agent, EDDHA effectively binds to iron ions, forming a stable chelate, preventing iron from reacting with other substances in the soil and keeping it available for plant uptake.
Stability
Stability in High-pH Environments: EDDHA Fe 6% is particularly suited for alkaline or calcareous soils, as it can retain iron in a chelated form even in soils with a pH as high as 9. This means it can maintain iron availability across a variety of soil types for extended periods.
Resistance to Decomposition: It is less prone to microbial decomposition in soil, offering long-lasting efficacy and making it ideal for one-time application with extended iron release.
Reactions with Other Elements
Reactions with Calcium and Magnesium: Due to its chelation, EDDHA Fe 6% does not react with calcium or magnesium ions in the soil, preventing the formation of precipitates and ensuring iron availability.
Oxidation Resistance: The iron is protected within the EDDHA chelate, preventing oxidation, thus maintaining its solubility and preventing it from transforming into an insoluble form in the soil.
3. Ortho-Position Value and Stability
EDDHA Fe 6% owes its excellent performance primarily to the "ortho-position" in its molecular structure.
In EDDHA Fe 6%, the "ortho-position" refers to the spatial arrangement of the two hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the benzene ring of the chelating agent EDDHA, which are adjacent to each other.
Significance of the Ortho-Position: The ortho-hydroxyl groups of EDDHA provide more stable chelation, allowing the iron to remain effective over a wide pH range. EDDHA Fe 6% products with higher ortho-position values exhibit better stability and efficacy, particularly in alkaline soils.
Ortho-Position Ratio: EDDHA Fe 6% products with higher ortho-position values perform better in high-pH soils. Typically, products with an ortho-position value between 3.5% and 4.8% offer superior performance in releasing and stabilizing iron in alkaline soils.
4. Application Fields
EDDHA Fe 6% has a wide range of applications, particularly excelling in agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping, where it can effectively improve iron deficiency symptoms in plants and boost crop yields and quality.
Below are the details of its applications in these areas:
1. Agriculture
(1) Fruit Tree Cultivation
Applicable Crops: Apple trees, citrus trees, grapevines, pear trees, peach trees, etc.
Effects: Iron is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis in fruit trees. Iron deficiency often causes yellowing of leaves and poor fruit development, reducing yields and fruit quality. EDDHA Fe 6% is ideal for correcting iron deficiency in fruit trees, especially in calcareous or alkaline soils.
Usage: Typically applied through broadcasting or irrigation, using 20-100 grams per tree depending on age and size.
(2) Vegetable Cultivation
Applicable Crops: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, spinach, eggplants, etc.
Effects: Many vegetables are highly sensitive to iron, and deficiency manifests as severe yellowing and stunted growth. EDDHA Fe 6% can quickly correct these symptoms, promote chlorophyll formation, enhance photosynthesis, and thus improve yield and quality.
Usage: Depending on the type and growth stage of the vegetables, the application rate is typically 1-3 kg per hectare, either through irrigation or foliar spraying.
(3) Grain Crops
Applicable Crops: Wheat, corn, soybeans, etc.
Effects: In grain crops, iron deficiency leads to yellowing of leaves, impaired photosynthesis, and reduced yields. EDDHA Fe 6% is highly effective in maintaining iron availability in high-pH soils, where traditional iron fertilizers may fail.
Usage: Applied via drip or irrigation systems, ensuring even distribution to the root zone of crops.
2. Horticulture
(1) Flower Cultivation
Applicable Plants: Roses, azaleas, gardenias, carnations, and other ornamental flowers.
Effects: Many flowers exhibit yellowing of leaves and dull flower colors when iron-deficient, which can also affect flowering quality. EDDHA Fe 6% can quickly correct iron deficiency, restoring health to the plants and enhancing their ornamental value.
Usage: It can be applied via foliar spraying or irrigation systems, with a recommended dilution of 0.1%-0.5% for spraying.
(2) Potted Plants
Applicable Plants: Indoor ornamental plants, bonsai, etc.
Effects: Potted plants often suffer from yellowing leaves and poor root development when iron-deficient. EDDHA Fe 6% can effectively alleviate these symptoms and promote healthy growth.
Usage: Mixed with water and applied to the soil of potted plants, with dosage adjusted as needed.
3. Landscaping
(1) Urban Greenery Trees
Applicable Plants: Banyan trees, plane trees, sycamore trees, etc., used in urban landscaping.
Effects: Urban soils are often compacted and low in iron due to construction and other human activities, leading to iron deficiency in trees, causing yellowing leaves and weakened growth. EDDHA Fe 6% helps trees absorb iron, enhancing their resistance and maintaining healthy growth and appearance.
Usage: Applied via irrigation or evenly broadcasted near the roots, especially during early spring or after transplanting.
(2) Shrubs and Hedges in Parks and Public Green Spaces
Applicable Plants: Shrubs and hedges used for landscaping, such as azaleas and boxwood.
Effects: Shrubs and hedges in alkaline or poor soils often show signs of iron deficiency. EDDHA Fe 6% significantly improves leaf yellowing, promotes dense growth, and enhances both aesthetic appeal and weather resistance.
Usage: Applied periodically through spray or drip irrigation systems, with dosage adjusted based on the type of shrub and soil conditions.
(3) Lawn Care
Applicable Lawns: Golf course lawns, park lawns, etc.
Effects: Lawns grown in high-alkaline soils frequently develop yellowing. EDDHA Fe 6% can effectively correct this deficiency, maintaining the lawn's healthy green color.
Usage: Applied via irrigation systems or through regular foliar spraying, with an application rate of 1-3 kg per hectare, depending on the lawn area and the severity of iron deficiency.
4. Other Applications
Nurseries and Greenhouses: EDDHA Fe 6% is also widely used in nurseries and greenhouse management. Iron deficiency can severely impact the growth and development of seedlings. This product ensures healthy growth, reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Wine Industry: Iron is an essential element for the healthy growth of grapevines. Deficiency can lead to yellowing vines and reduced yields. EDDHA Fe 6% helps maintain the health of grapevines, ensuring the production of high-quality grapes.
5. Advantages
High pH Adaptability: EDDHA Fe 6% maintains iron availability even in alkaline or calcareous soils (with a pH as high as 9).
Long-Lasting Stability: The stable supply of iron reduces the problems associated with iron precipitation in soils, providing long-term iron availability.
Wide Applicability: Suitable for a wide variety of crops and soil types, it enhances plant health, increases crop yields, and boosts disease resistance.
6. Conclusion
EDDHA Fe 6% is a highly effective chelated iron fertilizer, particularly suitable for crops, flowers, lawns, and urban landscaping trees in alkaline or calcareous soils. It effectively corrects and prevents iron deficiency in plants, promotes chlorophyll formation, and alleviates leaf yellowing. Its strong chelation properties and high ortho-position structure ensure the availability of iron in high pH soils, providing a long-term and stable supply of iron. It can be applied through soil, irrigation, or foliar spraying and is widely used in agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, and lawn maintenance.
Comments