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Owensboro, Ky.

Novice grower from W. Ky. and have seen the word chelate or chelated mentioned in numerous threads referring to different products. What is chelated and how does it differ from non-chelated? Thanks again for all the info. Peace Wayne

4/7/2005 8:44:45 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Chelating (aka sequestering, liganding, or complexing) refers to metallic micronutrients such as iron, manganese, etc. In their simple metallic state, these metals are not available to growing plants. Over many years, organic compunds in soils gradually bind with these background soil constituents. Some metallic micronutrient fertilizers are marketted in their near natural state & are simply not available to plants regardless of marketters claims. An example is the cheap iron oxide that is often found in garden centers. Over many years, the organic constituents (amino, humic & fulvic acids) of soils will gradually cause a natural chelation of the simple compounds into more complex ones that plants can absorb. But sometimes soils are less endowed and the plants grown in these soils exhibit micronutrient deficiencies. The answer then is to use metallic compounds that are already chelated.

Chelating compounds such as EDTA or gluconate acids are most commonly used in commercially available preparations. The coice of which depends on the item being chelated. Iron is most often chelated with EDTA. Calcium is better made available with Glucose (gluconates).

4/7/2005 9:50:54 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks Tremor, I have seen...mostly in diary listings...growers applying Ironite...is this a chelated product? I have looked a little for chelated calcium with no luck...any suggestions? Thanks again for the help. Peace Wayne

4/8/2005 6:34:23 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Wayne,

Ironite is Iron oxide (not chelated) derived from mine trailings. It could take many years to become available in low-organic soils.

We sell chelated micronutrients & Calcium in liquid for, as well as gluconate granular micronutrients. But I checked our website & the nearest store we have to you is 85 miles away in Louisville.

www.lesco.com

Would you prefer to work with chelated liquid foliar sprays or graqnular soil amendments? Personally, we use both here. Though neither has made up for a lack of space & light! ;o)

4/8/2005 9:03:10 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Tremor, Sounds like time for a road trip to Louisville. Can you send me the address for the outlet there. Thanks Peace Wayne

4/9/2005 6:40:47 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

There are 2 stores in & around Louisville.

Matt at 4017 Produce Rd. in the Poplar Springs area.
Phone:(502) 968-1242

and

Mary Jo at 13155 Middletown Industrial Blvd. which is just off 265 in Middletown.
Phone:(502) 254-2790

I'd call them ahead of time to make sure they have what you're after. Or call me private & we'll talk first. Then I can check they have what you're in need of. I am forever blind-siding our stores with growers looking for Pumpkin stuff. It gives the store folks grief when I send growers in for stuff they don't normally stock but will do so gladly if they know someone will need it.

4/9/2005 3:15:15 PM