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Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC), a common issue for farmers growing soybeans in high pH soils, is the result of iron (Fe) “tie up” in the soil that prevents the crop from being able to take up and utilize iron.
IDC typically causes substantial yellowing of foliage and a stunted crop, significantly reducing yield. While most common in soybeans due to their expansive acreage, the phenomenon is also seen in other legumes like dry edible beans and peas.
Iron is an essential component in many plant processes. A positively charged molecule, iron interacts with other negatively charged molecules.
When interacting with enzymes, iron is a critical co-factor, and without it, the enzymes cannot perform their job. For example, iron is a key co-factor for multiple enzymes in the process of chlorophyll production. Without chlorophyll, plants cannot capture light photons at the beginning of photosynthesis. This is why a deficiency in iron leads to yellowing, or the inability to create enough chlorophyll.
Historically, the solution to IDC has either been to reduce the soil pH over time, which can be a challenging and lengthy process, or to apply a chelated iron source like Soygreen® to the soil that keeps available iron in front of the plant during the growing season. These chelating agents surround metal ions, protecting them from being bound by other molecules in the soil that can lead to “tie up.”
Chemical chelations like Soygreen, which delivers chelated iron with ortho-ortho EDDHA chemical chelation technology, can be problematic if they let go of the nutrient that they are holding too quickly. If the chelation holding onto an iron molecule finds a different molecule it has a stronger affinity for, it can release the iron and bind the other molecule. This leaves the now free iron molecule to interact with other soil particles, leading to tie up.
Because chelating agents are also quite persistent in soils, their use can lead to additional tie-up issues in the future.
Instead, it is now recommended to use Iron EPC™, which uses a unique peptide chelation, to address IDC concerns.
Peptide strands form a ring around the iron molecule and keep it from binding with other minerals in the soil. Peptides are unique from traditional chemical chelating agents because they are much less persistent in the soil and don’t lead to future tie up issues.
When a plant root finds the Iron EPC™, the plant can utilize both the peptide and the iron nutrient and will uptake them both.
The material is also a “coffee” colored brown that mixes very cleanly with water and other fertilizers if needed. This differs from chelated iron products, which are generally a very thick, sticky, rust red colored product that can be difficult to clean equipment after application.
| Soygreen® | Iron EPC™ |
Chelation Type | Chemical | Peptide |
Ease of Use | Sticky and red mess | “Coffee” color, easy to mix |
Pounds Iron /Gallon | 0.2 pounds | 0.4 pounds |
When it comes to managing IDC, you shouldn’t have to choose between effective iron uptake and the long-term health of your soil. While traditional chemical chelators like Soygreen® have been the industry standard for years, the potential for future "tie-up" and the hassle of handling thick, red residue make them a difficult partner for your equipment and your bottom line.
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You can find Iron EPC™ and a full range of bulk fertilizers directly through FBN. Benefit from transparent pricing, direct-to-farm delivery, and flexible financing options designed to keep your operation running smoothly.
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