[<i>S,S</i>]-EDDS Ligand as a Soil Solubilizer of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu to Improve Plant Nutrition in Deficient Soils
Sandra López‐Rayo, Silvia Valverde, Juan J. Lucena
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The deficiencies of iron, manganese, zinc, and copper in calcareous soils are a worldwide problem affecting plant growth and fruit quality, usually minimized by the application of recalcitrant synthetic metal chelates. Biodegradable ligand [ S,S ]-EDDS is an eco-friendly substitute. This study investigates the capacity of [ S,S ]-EDDS to mobilize micronutrients from agronomic soils and improve plant nutrition. A batch and a plant experiment ( Phaseolus vulgaris cv . Black Pole) with three agronomic soils was conducted to monitor the micronutrients solubilized by [ S,S ]-EDDS, the ligand degradation, and plant uptake. The results demonstrated the high capacity of [ S,S ]-EDDS to solubilize Fe and other micronutrients related to its chemical behavior and the enhancement of plant nutrition. The best results were shown in sandy-clay soil with low Fe, typically found in the Mediterranean areas. The results support the direct application of the ligand to soils and a possible biotechnological application of the ligand-producer bacteria.