EDTA-Chelated Zinc (Zn 12%)

EDTA-chelated zinc is a chelated micronutrient fertiliser in which zinc is complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to remain plant available across a wide soil pH range. The product carries a minimum of 12% Zn and is notified under the FCO chelated-micronutrient schedule. Compared with the older sulphate form, chelated zinc has substantially higher uptake efficiency because the chelate ring prevents zinc from being precipitated as hydroxides, carbonates or phosphates in the soil.

Composition

Chemical form: Zn-EDTA chelate
Zinc content: minimum 12% Zn (FCO specification)
Appearance: free-flowing pale-yellow water-soluble powder
Solubility: 100% water soluble across pH 4-9

Representative products include Utkarsh ZinGap, Peptech Zinc EDTA 12%, IFFCO Zinc EDTA and Tata Rallis Zinc EDTA.

Mode of action

In soils, free zinc cations rapidly precipitate at pH above 6.5, leaving little Zn in the soil solution. The EDTA ring holds zinc in a stable, soluble form, allowing direct uptake by roots and rapid translocation to growing tissues. Foliar-applied chelated zinc penetrates the cuticle and is mobilised systemically. Industry data place its relative availability at roughly three times that of Zinc Sulphate, allowing equivalent results from much lower applied amounts.

Target use and dose

Foliar spray: 0.5-1 g per litre of water, applied at vegetative and early reproductive stages on paddy, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, vegetables and fruit crops.
Soil or drip application: 250-500 g per acre, usually in combination with other chelated micronutrients.

It should not be tank-mixed with heavy phosphate-rich sprays, which can precipitate zinc as insoluble zinc phosphate.

Safety and regulatory status

FCO-notified under the chelated-micronutrient schedule. Non-hazardous at field rates. Storage in cool, dry conditions preserves chelate stability.

References

ZinGap Zinc EDTA 12% Technical Specification. Utkarsh Agrochem.
Zinc EDTA 12%. Peptech Biosciences.