Iron

Of all the micronutrients, iron is the one required in the greatest quantity, forming part of the catalytic groups of many redox enzymes of the heme protein type, whose nucleus is formed by porphyrin, which chelates an iron atom. This group of enzymes includes cytochromes, necessary for chlorophyll synthesis; catalases; peroxidases and sulfate and nitrate reductases, which regulate the absorption of sulfur and nitrogen. In all these enzyme systems, iron acts as an electron carrier.

ABSORPTION
The plant absorbs iron through the roots and leaves in the form of Fe+2 and Fe+

DEFICIENCIES

Its deficiency in calcareous soils is very common because the solubility of Fe is very low at basic pH.

When iron deficiency occurs, the structure of chloroplasts changes, leading to the most characteristic symptom of iron deficiency in plants, known as "iron chlorosis," which manifests as interveinal yellowing of young leaves. As this deficiency progresses, the chlorosis spreads throughout the entire leaf, keeping the veins green. Premature defoliation is highly likely.

Citrus crops are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency due to the basic pH of their soils. Only chelated iron can solve this problem.