Soil Locking and Soil Reaction prevent Iron uptake.
Chelated Iron fully available for uptake
Agrichem National Sales Manager, Owen McGarron, says the Guardian range of trace elements is based on unique technology.
"The Guardian range utilises a technique pioneered by Agrichem called ?stereo selective chelation?,? says McGarron. ?It?s also one of the very few 100% chelated products on the market, and it delivers much greater value and efficiency than many of it?s competitors. Our Iron Chelate, for instance, can be used at comparatively lower rates than iron products.?
Chelates have become increasingly popular amongst professionals as a means of preventing unstable trace elements from becoming locked up or reacting in the soil. High pH, aeration and organic matter can all contribute to these reactions. The chelate, an organic compound, stabilises the structure of the trace element, leading to greater availability, solubility, and stability.
Agrichem?s Technical Specialist, Lucia Grimmer, says chelation acts like a protective barrier to stop valuable elements from being wasted before they penetrate the plant.
?For instance, the process of chelating metals such as copper, iron, manganese and zinc offers new properties to an element which it cannot posses on it?s own,? she explains.
?Take as an example the iron in our blood, which is chelated (albeit naturally). This process enables it to carry oxygen ? iron alone could not do that.
?The metal chelate resembles a claw which holds elements in a stable structure until they reach the target plant, where they can be readily absorbed by the roots or leaves. Chelates selectively bind positively-charged metal ions with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which are negatively charged. This bonding forms an unbreakable ring structure so, when applied to the soil, the chelates prevent precipitation of metal hydroxides, carbonates and phosphates out of the root zone.?
Grimmer says that rapid absorption of metal chelates by plants allows nutrient deficiencies to be quickly remedied within a day or two of application, thereby minimising productivity losses.
?Lower application rates can also be used since metal chelates are completely absorbed by the plant with minimal waste or losses,? she adds.
On the issue of compatibility, chelated nutrients also score a tick as they can be tank-mixed with herbicides and insecticides and are equally effective for foliar and soil application.
Iron-Clad Success
Guardian Iron was launched on 8 December, with a particular focus on the turf market.
Grimmer says that Iron is an essential component in the turf health and is required ?for producing green, healthy turf.?
A full suite of trace elements is also available through an extensive guardian range including chelated Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Calcium and Zinc.
Grimmer says that trace elements, in general, are required as catalysts in a variety of chemical reactions, deficiencies can adversely affect grown, health and appearance of turf and make it more susceptible to disease.
For more information about the Guardian range, contact Agrichem toll free on 1800 654 758