Summary of Biostimulant – Iron nutrition in agriculture: From synthetic chelates to biochelates. Enhancing Iron Availability for Crop Productivity:
Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and development. While many soils contain Fe, calcareous or alkaline soils can limit its availability, causing deficiency symptoms such as chlorosis. Conventional fertilization relies on synthetic Fe chelates, which improve Fe solubility and uptake. However, these fertilizers have limitations, including pH-dependent effectiveness, environmental persistence, and potential remobilization of heavy metals. Innovative strategies are needed to provide efficient Fe nutrition while promoting sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Developing new approaches can also contribute to reduced environmental impacts and long-term soil health.
Biostimulant Solutions for Iron Nutrition in Agriculture
Vegetal protein hydrolysates can form Fe-biochelates, providing effective biostimulant solutions for iron nutrition. These small peptides chelate Fe through amino acid side chains, carboxylate groups, and amine or amide groups. Beyond chelation, they act as signaling molecules, stimulating nutrient uptake, root development, and overall plant growth. Using these biochelates represents an eco-friendly and innovative alternative to conventional synthetic fertilizers, supporting more sustainable crop production.
Comparative Trials of Biostimulant Solutions for Iron Nutrition
Trials on cucumber, tomato, and strawberry compared Fe-biochelates with traditional Fe-EDDHA. The results showed that biostimulant solutions for iron nutrition perform as effectively as synthetic chelates under circumneutral (pH 6.0) and alkaline (pH 8.0) conditions. Fe-biochelates also reduce environmental impacts, including leaching, persistence, and remobilization of toxic metals. These findings demonstrate their potential to improve Fe management in agriculture while supporting environmentally responsible practices.
Applications and Benefits of Biostimulant Iron Fertilisers
Fe-biochelates can also be applied in soilless cultivation systems for biofortification, enhancing the nutritional quality of edible crops. Integrating biostimulant solutions for iron nutrition into crop management enhances plant health, increases resilience to environmental constraints, and supports higher-quality yields. These fertilizers provide a reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible alternative to synthetic Fe chelates, offering long-term benefits for sustainable agriculture.
Publication: Scientia Horticulturae
