Microelement Chelated Fertilizer

Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate (IDS) – A Green Chelating Agent for Micronutrient Fertilizers

Tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS), as a novel green chelating agent, demonstrates significant advantages in the field of agricultural micronutrient fertilizers. This article focuses on the characteristics, mechanisms, and practical application effects of IDS, providing sustainable solutions for modern agriculture.

Unique Advantages of IDS

1. Environmental Friendliness
IDS is fully biodegradable, achieving over 80% degradation in soil within 28 days, ultimately breaking down into water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia without any harmful residues. It has extremely low ecological toxicity and does not adversely affect soil microbial communities.

2. Strong Chelation Ability
IDS forms stable, water-soluble complexes with micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. It has moderate stability constants, making it highly effective in soils with pH 4–9, and it maintains stability even in calcareous soils.

3. High Safety
Free of heavy metal impurities, IDS is safe for crops, with no risk of phytotoxicity, suitable for all sensitive crops.

Mechanisms of Action

1. Protection Mechanism
IDS forms stable five-membered ring chelates that protect micronutrients from soil fixation, effectively preventing precipitation with phosphates, carbonates, and hydroxides.

2. Absorption Promotion
With a small molecular weight, IDS chelates can be rapidly absorbed by crop roots via mass flow and diffusion. When applied as a foliar spray, they easily penetrate stomata and the cuticle layer.

3. Efficient Transport
IDS has good mobility within plants, allowing micronutrients to be quickly transported to target sites.

Practical Application Effects

1. Correction of Nutrient Deficiencies

• Iron deficiency in fruit trees: IDS-Fe foliar spray at 1000–1500× dilution restores new leaf greening within 7 days; effect lasts 30–45 days

• Zinc deficiency in vegetables: Soil application of IDS-Zn increases yield by 15–25%

• Manganese deficiency in cereals: IDS-Mn seed treatment ensures uniform emergence and enhances stress resistance

2. Improved Fertilizer Efficiency
Compared with conventional inorganic salts, IDS-chelated micronutrients increase nutrient use efficiency by 40–60%, reducing application rates by 30–50%.

3. Enhanced Crop Quality

• Increases vitamin and sugar content

• Improves fruit coloration and uniformity

• Extends shelf life

Application Methods

1. Foliar Spray
Recommended concentration: 0.1–0.3%; apply during critical nutrient demand periods; 15–30 g micronutrients per mu.

2. Soil Application
Mix with base fertilizers; 50–100 g micronutrients per mu; suitable for drip irrigation, fertigation, or flush application.

3. Seed Treatment
Seed coating concentration: 0.05–0.1%; coating amount: 0.2–0.5% of seed weight.

Precautions

1. Avoid mixing with strongly alkaline pesticides

2. Prepare fresh solutions and use within 24 hours

3. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption

4. Adjust application rates based on soil tests and crop requirements

Development Prospects

With the promotion of integrated water and fertilizer technology and the development of precision agriculture, IDS-chelated fertilizers will play an increasingly important role in modern agriculture. Especially in organic farming, green food production bases, and environmentally sensitive areas, IDS is expected to become the preferred micronutrient fertilizer additive. As a next-generation green chelating agent, IDS not only addresses micronutrient bioavailability but also provides an environmentally friendly solution, serving as a key technical support for sustainable agriculture.