[S,S]-EDDS Ligand as a Soil Solubilizer of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu to Improve Plant Nutrition in Deficient Soils

The deficienciesof iron, manganese, zinc, and copper in calcareoussoils are a worldwide problem affecting plant growth and fruit quality,usually minimized by the application of recalcitrant synthetic metalchelates. Biodegradable ligand [S,S]-EDDS is an eco-friendlysubstitute. This study investigates the capacity of [S,S]-EDDS to mobilize micronutrients from agronomic soils and improveplant nutrition. A batch and a plant experiment (Phaseolusvulgaris cv. Black Pole) with threeagronomic soils was conducted to monitor the micronutrients solubilizedby [S,S]-EDDS, the ligand degradation, and plantuptake. The results demonstrated the high capacity of [S,S]-EDDS to solubilize Fe and other micronutrients related to its chemicalbehavior and the enhancement of plant nutrition. The best resultswere shown in sandy-clay soil with low Fe, typically found in theMediterranean areas. The results support the direct application ofthe ligand to soils and a possible biotechnological application ofthe ligand-producer bacteria.

Automated summary

This study investigates the capacity of [S,S]-EDDS to solubilize micronutrients from agronomic soils and enhance plant nutrition. The results show that [S,S]-EDDS has a high capacity to solubilize iron and other micronutrients, with the best results observed in sandy-clay soils with low iron content, typical of Mediterranean areas. The study supports the direct application of the ligand to soils and the possible use of ligand-producing bacteria in biotechnology applications.