Iron Fertilizers – Correcting Chlorosis and Boosting Leaf Greening
Iron Fertilizers – Correcting Chlorosis and Boosting Leaf Greening
Introduction: Iron – The Micronutrient Behind Every Green Leaf
Iron (Fe) is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and energy transfer in plants, even though it’s not a direct component of chlorophyll. It drives the green color of leaves and is vital for respiration, enzyme function, and electron transport during photosynthesis.
Iron deficiency—also known as iron chlorosis—is one of the most visible micronutrient disorders, especially in calcareous (high-pH), compacted, or waterlogged soils. Affected plants show yellowing between veins while veins remain green, primarily in young leaves
.This blog explains how iron functions in plants, signs of deficiency, and how different iron fertilizers—particularly chelated forms—can restore greening and vigor across crops
Why Iron Is Essential for Crops
Iron participates in multiple crucial processes:
- Chlorophyll Biosynthesis – Activates enzymes required for chlorophyll production
- Electron Transport – Facilitates redox reactions in photosynthesis and respiration.
- Nitrogen Metabolism – Helps convert nitrates into usable forms for protein synthesis.
- Hormone Function – Involved in auxin metabolism for plant growth and development
Unlike some nutrients, iron is not mobile in the plant, so deficiencies first appear in young leaves, and rapid intervention is key.
Iron Deficiency Symptoms by Crop
| Crop | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Citrus | Yellowing of new leaves, green veins |
| Soybean | Interveinal chlorosis, stunted growth |
| Grapes | Pale new leaves, reduced bunch size |
| Tomato | Yellow leaf margins, slow growth |
| Maize | White/yellow striping in upper leaves |
| Rice | Patchy yellowing in young foliage |
Iron deficiency is common in alkaline, compacted, or water-saturated soils, where iron becomes unavailable even though it is present.
Iron Fertilizer Forms and Best Uses
| Fertilizer Type | Iron Content (%) | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Sulfate (FeSO₄) | ~20% | Soil, foliar | Affordable, fast-acting, but less stable in pH > 7 |
| Chelated Fe (Fe-EDDHA) | ~6% | Soil, fertigation | Effective in alkaline soils (pH 7–9.5) |
| Chelated Fe (Fe-EDTA) | ~12% | Foliar, fertigation | Stable in neutral soils; foliar-safe |
| Chelated Fe (Fe-DTPA) | ~10% | Soil/fertigation (pH < 7.5) | Moderate stability, cost-effective |
| Iron Amino Chelates | ~6–10% | Foliar, fertigation | Low salt index, safe for sensitive crops |
Tip: For calcareous soils or high pH > 8, Fe-EDDHA is the most effective chelate.
Best Practices for Iron Fertilization
- Apply Foliar Sprays for Quick Correction – Especially in crops like citrus, tomato, and soybean.
- Use Chelated Iron in High-pH Soils – Prevents tie-up and keeps iron plant-available.
- Avoid Over-Irrigation – Waterlogged soils reduce iron solubility.
- Use Acidified Fertigation – Helps reduce pH in the root zone and increase iron uptake.
- Combine with Organic Matter – Humic acids enhance Fe availability by chelating free Fe ions.
Green Gubre Group’s Iron Solutions
We offer targeted iron fertilizers to suit different soil types and crop stages:
- GreenFe EDDHA – Chelated iron for alkaline soils and fertigation systems
- GreenFe EDTA – For foliar sprays and moderate pH conditions
- GreenFe DTPA – Balanced solution for most open-field and greenhouse crops
- GreenFe Foliar Max – Amino-chelated Fe for rapid absorption in fruiting crops
- Micronutrient Blends with Iron – Custom mixes for cereals, legumes, and vegetables
All our products come with:
- COA & MSDS
- Tank-mix compatibility guides
- Crop-specific dosage charts
Conclusion: Restore Greening, Restore Yield
Iron may be needed in trace amounts, but its impact is massive—especially in photosynthetic performance and overall plant health. Managing iron nutrition correctly prevents chlorosis, improves vigor, and sustains crop productivity, particularly in sensitive fruit, vegetable, and legume crops.
At
Green Gubre Group, we help farmers implement micronutrient strategies that are both agronomically sound and economically smart—because even small elements can make a big difference.
