How common is iron deficiency in Indian soils?

About 19% of Indian soils are iron-deficient (Shukla et al., 2021, national survey of 242,827 samples). Deficiency is concentrated in the calcareous, alkaline soils of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, with significant incidence also in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana and Karnataka.

Why do alkaline soils cause iron deficiency?

At pH above 7.5, iron reacts with hydroxide ions to form insoluble Fe(OH)3, whose solubility falls to near zero at pH 8. Although Indian soils contain 2-5% total iron, only a tiny fraction is plant-available in alkaline conditions, producing lime-induced (interveinal) chlorosis in young leaves.

Why does iron sulphate (FeSO4) fail in alkaline soil, and how does VartiFer work?

FeSO4 releases Fe2+, which oxidises to Fe3+ within hours and precipitates as insoluble Fe(OH)3, so most of it becomes unavailable in alkaline soil. VartiFer uses Fe-EDTA chelate, which wraps the iron ion in a protective cage and keeps it soluble across a wide pH range, releasing Fe2+ at the root zone. Confirm application rates against your state agricultural recommendations.

Why do alkaline soils cause iron deficiency?

At pH above 7.5, iron reacts with hydroxide ions to form insoluble Fe(OH)3, whose solubility at pH 8 is essentially zero. Although Indian soils contain 2-5% total iron, less than 0.01% is plant-available in alkaline conditions, causing lime-induced chlorosis.

Why does iron sulphate (FeSO4) fail in alkaline soil?

FeSO4 releases Fe2+, which oxidises to Fe3+ within hours and precipitates as Fe(OH)3. Within 24 hours more than 99% becomes unavailable, so FeSO4 is ineffective above pH 7.5.

How does Fe-EDTA chelate (VartiFer) correct iron chlorosis?

EDTA wraps the iron ion in a protective cage with a stability constant around 10^25, keeping it soluble from pH 4 to 11. It releases Fe2+ only at the acidic root zone, staying 80-90% plant-available versus under 5% for FeSO4.

The Iron Cycle

Essential for Chlorophyll & Photosynthesis

The Iron Cycle

Understanding iron cycling in alkaline soils - and why VartiFer (Iron EDTA chelate) is scientifically proven to work when everything else fails

What is Iron & Why Does It Matter?

Iron (Fe) is the 4th most abundant element on Earth - making up 5% of the Earth's crust. Yet, in alkaline soils (pH 7.5+), which cover 49% of India's agricultural land, iron becomes completely unavailable to plants despite being present in massive quantities (2-5% of soil!). This creates the "Iron Chlorosis Paradox" - plants starve for iron while surrounded by it.

Chlorophyll Synthesis

Iron is part of the ferredoxin enzyme that builds chlorophyll. Without Fe, chlorophyll cannot form.

Result of deficiency:

Leaves turn yellow (chlorotic) while veins stay green - classic "interveinal chlorosis"

Electron Transport

Fe is the core of cytochrome enzymes that transfer electrons in photosynthesis & respiration.

Critical process:

Water → O₂ + electrons. Fe transfers these electrons to make ATP (plant energy)

Nitrogen Fixation

Nitrogenase enzyme in legume root nodules requires Fe to convert N₂ gas into NH₃ (ammonia).

Impact:

Fe-deficient legumes fix 50% less nitrogen, reducing protein content

Interactive Iron Cycle Diagram

Click on any element to learn how iron cycles and how VartiFer solves the alkaline soil problem

VARTIFER

Iron EDTA 12%

😢

😊

😢

😊

😢

😊

😢

TOPSOIL - pH 8.0-8.5 (ALKALINE!)

Fe-EDTA

Fe(OH)₃

FeSO₄

FAILS!

SUBSOIL - Calcareous (CaCO₃ rich)

Fe³⁺

PARENT ROCK - Fe Mineral Source

pH >8.0

Most Fe LOCKED!

WITH VartiFer

80% Available

WITHOUT VartiFer

<1% Available

Click to Learn

👈 Click any element to learn!

Explore how iron cycles in alkaline soils and why VartiFer is the only solution.

Quick Facts:

•49% of Indian soils are alkaline (pH >7.5)
•At pH 8, Fe availability drops 1000x compared to pH 7!
•Regular FeSO₄ precipitates within hours at pH 8+
•Only EDTA chelate (VartiFer) works at high pH

The Iron Paradox:

Soil contains 20,000-50,000 mg Fe/kg but plants can access less than 5 mg/kg at pH 8+!

The Iron Cycle - How It Works (and Breaks)

1. SOURCE

Rock minerals (Hematite, Magnetite)

Fe²⁺
Fe³⁺

2. SOIL FORMS

Fe²⁺ (available) ⇄ Fe³⁺ (less available)

Fe(OH)₃

3. THE LOCK

At pH 8+: most iron precipitates!

Fe-EDTA

4. SOLUTION

VartiFer chelate stays available!

The Iron Cycle in Alkaline Soils

The Iron Cycle

What is Iron & Why Does It Matter?

Chlorophyll Synthesis

Electron Transport

Nitrogen Fixation

Interactive Iron Cycle Diagram

Click to Learn

The Iron Cycle - How It Works (and Breaks)

1. SOURCE

2. SOIL FORMS

3. THE LOCK

4. SOLUTION