Document Type
Report
Publisher
Utah State University
Publication Date
1-2025
First Page
1
Last Page
6
Abstract
Iron (Fe) deficiencies are common in alkaline root zones and can cause chlorosis and reduce growth. The most common approach to prevent deficiency is using synthetic chelates that keep iron in solution at high pH. Here we report the effects of pH and chelate type on the development of chlorosis and biomass in soybeans and basil. We grew the plants at a pH ranging from 6.0-7.8. Fe was chelated with either a less expensive EDTA chelate or a more expensive EDDHA chelate. There was no significant difference between chelates at pH 6.0 in either soybeans or basil. In soybeans, there was no significant difference in biomass until the pH was increased to 7.8. In basil, there was a steady decrease in biomass as pH increased. Biomass was increased by EDDHA at a pH above 7. The lower cost EDTA can be used when pH is maintained. Fe sensitive species may require the more expensive EDDHA chelate when grown in alkaline conditions.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Christian and Bugbee, Bruce, "Effect of pH and Iron Chelate on the Growth of Basil and Soybean in Soilless Media" (2025). Nutrients. Paper 10.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cpl_nutrients/10