Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) affects growers across the Upper Midwest. However, it’s important to remember that IDC is avoidable. Growers can take steps today to identify and prevent IDC in their soybeans tomorrow.
What Is IDC?
IDC occurs when crops are unable to access adequate amounts of soluble ferrous iron (Fe2+) for normal crop development processes. In some cases, enough ferric (Fe3+) iron may exist in the soil, but plants are not able to use the iron unless it is reduced to ferrous (Fe2+) form. The plant’s inability to uptake the appropriate amount of iron creates a chlorophyll imbalance that can lead to the visual symptom of the yellowing leaves and can result in dramatic yield loss. Soil characteristics and weather conditions can also increase the instances and severity of IDC in soils that are prone to developing these symptoms.
What causes IDC?
IDC is rarely caused by a lack of iron in the soil, but rather a lack of available iron, due to nutrient tie-up in the soil. However, in some areas, plants are not able to reduce and uptake iron in a usable form, usually due to one of three main causes:
- High levels of calcium carbonate (CCE) in the soil
- High salinity
- Soil pH levels above 7
What Are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Soybeans?
- Yellow leaves and dark green veins (interveinal chlorosis)
- Less plant vigor
- Growing point and leaf death
Soybeans are affected by IDC when they are unable to access optimal amounts of soluble iron. Without a healthy amount of iron uptake, the plants often develop chlorotic yellow leaves and dark green veins often referred to as interveinal chlorosis. The plants have less vigor, leading to issues with growth and yield. These symptoms will typically first manifest on the youngest of the top leaves. When IDC is severe, the leaf edges may die. This necrosis may advance to the point where the leaves fall off the plant and the death of the growing point, decreasing the tissue available for photosynthesis. If IDC is left untreated or without preventative action, yield loss can be devastating and leave the field prone to IDC in the future. Although there may be ample iron in the soil, soil conditions can make it inaccessible to the developing plant.
How to Prevent IDC
These are the ways to prevent IDC in soybeans:
- Determine whether your field is at risk or has previously suffered from IDC
- Apply iron-chelated fertilizer in-furrow
- Choose a soybean variety that is tolerant to IDC
- Consider planting a companion crop to optimize soil conditions
- Apply proper herbicides
- Avoid soil compaction
- Use an iron chelate product
Soygreen
Chelated with the purest ortho-ortho EDDHA that exists, Soygreen brands are the leading micronutrient for overcoming iron deficiency chlorosis in soybeans. Exclusively distributed by CHS Agronomy, Soygreen is an iron (Fe) formula developed for soybeans and other crops suffering from iron deficiency chlorosis. It has the purest and highest concentration of ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate compared to other premium micronutrient products. This chelating agent keeps the iron (Fe) soluble for uptake and even makes other nutrients in the soil available to the plant. Soygreen is available in three different formulations to better fit your application needs. A dry water-soluble powder that is easy to mix and apply, a convenient liquid solution for ease and convenience, and a granular blend that is designed for the air seeder market.
Soygreen® is a powder iron product chelated with Levesol's ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate, making it the most effective and proven IDC product on the market.
Soygreen® Granular 2.4 is a superior granular iron product containing Levesol’s ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate and is designed for air seeder application.
Soygreen® Pro is a liquid iron solution chelated with Levesol’s ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate designed to improve the availability of iron to field crops for primarily in-furrow applications.
IDC does not have to be a death sentence for soybeans. With a keen eye on potential warning signs and preventative measures in place, such as utilizing Soygreen®, growers can mellow the yellow in their crop or avoid IDC altogether.
Learn more about Soygreen or contact your local CHS representative if you have any questions.
