I’M FERRO: A REVOLUTION IN THE WORLD OF CHELATOS
Iron, an essential micronutrient
Iron is an essential micronutrient for crops. In fact, this element plays a key role in the chlorophyll biosynthesis process as well as being an integral part of numerous enzymes involved in plant metabolism.
Eco-friendly innovation in the world of chelates
Agriges has always invested in the Research and Development sector. Actually, the Agriges R&D labs are constantly looking for natural and eco-friendly solutions with high agronomic performance. Its ultimate goal is therefore to obtain formulations that are both respectful of the environment and safe for the user and the end-consumer as well. These needs are precisely the reasons for the birth of the “I’M” line of fertilisers, meso and microelements complexed in a natural way, agronomically effective and with low environmental impact.
The zero impact EDDVEG technology
Synthetic chelators (e.g. EDTA) are not biodegradable and, in addition to acting on microelements, they form very stable complexes with metal cations that are considered carcinogenic (e.g. mercury, cobalt, nickel, etc.). As a result, these complexes (heavy metals - chelators) can pollute water or be absorbed by treated plants. This process, which is commonly called “mobilisation and entry into the life cycle of carcinogenic metal cations”, is thus harmful to the environment as well as to people.
What characterises the “I’M” line is the special EDDVEG production technology, which allows for the complexation of the meso and microelements without the use of synthetic chelators but using instead natural complexing substances. Therefore, the EDDVEG technology involves a double complexation of the elements with lignosulfonates (LSA) and oligopeptides. As EDDVEG lignosulfonates and oligopeptides are natural complexing agents, they are completely biodegradable, and therefore ecological and sustainable for the environment.
The agronomic effectiveness of the “I’M” line
The lignosulfonates and oligopeptides provided by EDDVEG complex meso and microelements, thus ensuring maximum assimilation by the plant both by foliar and root application, replacing the common products containing synthetic chelators.
Whether distributed by foliar application or in fertigation, the amino acids and oligopeptides of EDDVEG are easily absorbed by the plants and then used at the cellular level, where they perform a biostimulating action (response to stress situations, cell proliferation and relaxation, fruit growth, vegetative resumption), a nutritional action (because they are composed of organic nitrogen in an already processed form), a complexing action (which allows greater absorption of microelements) and a co-formulant action.
I’M Ferro
Among the products of the “I’M” line, I’M Ferro contains complexed iron at 6.2% w/v, ideal for both by foliar or soil application of iron.
Here are the advantages of the product:
- High stability and solubility in water at acid (pH 3.0) and alkaline pH (pH 9.0).
- Maximum bioavailability of iron for plants.
- Effective over time to counteract iron chlorosis.
- Guaranteed effectiveness in various environmental and agronomic conditions.
- Guarantee of high quality and quantity of agricultural yields.
- Possibility of reduced dosages compared to similar products.
- Allowed in organic farming.
Results in the field
In 2020 an experimental test of the product was conducted in the province of Syracuse in cooperation with the SATA srl test centre. The purpose of the test was to evaluate the selectivity and effectiveness of I'M Ferro with the aim of reducing the effects of iron deficiency, chlorosis, on the sweet orange of the Newhall cultivar.
Before applying the product, the test field showed clear signs of iron chlorosis due to the high content of limestone in the soil and a rootstock particularly sensitive to limy soils.
The experimental plan involved:
- Untreated check sample
- I’M Ferro 20l/ha upon vegetative resumption
- I’M Ferro 20l/ha upon vegetative resumption and after 30 days
- Competitor (3.4% EDDHA (o-o) 2.2% EDDHA (o-p)) 136 kg/ha upon vegetative resumption
So, the chlorophyll and nitrogen content inside the leaves were measured in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments against iron deficiencies, in terms of a decrease in iron chlorosis.
The results achieved are as shown in Chart 1.
Chart 1. Chlorophyll content in young leaves for the different samples considered and at different times.
In summary, the application of the I’M Ferro product proved particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of iron deficiency in citrus fruits. In fact, the chlorophyll content in the sample treated with I’M Ferro was comparable to the control product and higher than the untreated reference sample. In particular, the repeated application of the product after one month proved the most effective strategy. In conclusion, in the presence of a comparable effectiveness in the results achieved with I'm Ferro and the competitor product, a 64% economic saving per hectare was estimated for the sample that underwent two applications of I'M Ferro with a time interval of 30 days.
For more information on the product, please download the brochure I’M Ferro.
You can also watch this video to learn about the EDDVEG technology!