chelated iron vs rusty nails

**azurehalcyon** · 21st Apr 2004, 18:52

before straight-handed condemnation, pls read:

">> A rusty ten-penny nail is not going to get you there.

I would not be so quick to draw that conclusion!
Another effective way to provide iron to plant roots is through reduction of
Fe+++ to Fe++. This takes place in an oxygen limited environment, like a
substrate without much circulation. Maybe chelated iron is needed to
suplement the initial iron provided by laterite in a system with undergravel
circulation, but other strategies can be used in other systems. Although I
have not tried to use a rusty nail, I have talked to successful plant
growers that use such small pieces of metallic objects in the substrate.
Others on the net use soil (which contains iron) and some have even
suggested the use of steel wool. Small pieces sounds like it could be very
beneficial. The precipitates from iron oxide solutions will also become
available to plants through chemical changes in a reduced environment. IMHO
(i.e. I am not a chemist), the problem with these latter methods is the
possiblity of providing TOO MUCH iron and other micronutrients."

**theodore** · 21st Apr 2004, 19:49

Nails or iron filings may work but there are other ways to supplement Fe in your substrate.

For example, Fe tablets when you donate blood at the bloodbank. You get to help others and your plants get the Fe they need.

**azurehalcyon** · 21st Apr 2004, 19:55

ns idea.. but wouldnt one haf 2 introduce the tabs continually, since (i think)such fe tabs r quick release for bodily absorbtion? ah, cant donate anyway due to some "visiting UK in the bovine spongiform scare period"

.. will have to get from frends... neway ill try out w an experiment: one pot nails, 1 pot fe tabs, one pot none. then we'll see the results...

**theodore** · 21st Apr 2004, 20:23

Just remember which tank uses fillings/nails - Last thing you want is to hurt yourself when dismantling the tank a few years down the road.

As for the Fe tablets, the rate of release shouldn't matter if your substrate has high CEC.

**azurehalcyon** · 21st Apr 2004, 20:50

CEC? chelate smtg smtg?? whats that? to bind the Fe??
Anyway ive taken up the idea from bros to use pots. no prob for me as ill be using terracing n will have plenty of depth to hide them.