Chelation is a chemical process where a substance forms a complex with a metal ion, effectively binding it and increasing its bioavailability. This process is vital in agriculture because many essential nutrients, such as iron, manganese, and zinc, can become insoluble in soil, making them inaccessible to plants.

Chelating agents are compounds that can bind to these metal ions, preventing their precipitation and ensuring their availability for plant roots. While synthetic compounds have historically been used as chelators, natural amino acids have gained prominence as a more sustainable and effective alternative.

Benefits of Amino Acid Chelation in Plants

• Enhanced nutrient uptake: Amino acid chelates can increase the availability of crucial micronutrients, like iron, zinc, and manganese, for plant absorption, thereby mitigating nutrient deficiencies and fostering robust plant growth.
• Improved stress tolerance: Amino acids are indispensable for plant stress responses, including drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. By binding to heavy metals and mitigating their toxicity, amino acid chelates can aid plants in overcoming adverse environmental conditions.
• Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency: Sufficient micronutrient availability is crucial for photosynthesis, the process where plants transform sunlight into energy. Amino acid chelates can bolster photosynthesis by guaranteeing that plants have access to the required micronutrients.
• Improved crop quality: Employing amino acid chelates can result in greater yields, superior fruit quality, and enhanced nutritional value in crops. This benefits both farmers and consumers.
• Improved Plant Health: By supplying essential nutrients and mitigating heavy metal stress, amino acid chelates can foster healthier plant growth and development.

Factors Affecting the Chelating Strength

1. Amino Acid Structure :

   Functional groups determine chelating ability.

2. Metal Ion Properties:

   Higher charged and small-sized metal ions tend to form strong chelates. Also, hard metal ions (e.g., alkali and alkaline earth metals) tend to form stronger

   chelates with hard donor atoms (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen)

3. Plant Physiology :

   Plant Species, Growth Stage, and Environmental factors like temperature and humidity affects the rate of chelation and the stability of the chelate.

4. Soil Conditions:

   pH and Organic Matter influence the chelation process of amino acids.

5. Application Method:

   Foliar sprays can provide a direct source of chelating agents to the plant.

   By understanding these factors, researchers and farmers can optimize the use of amino acids as chelating agents in plants.