Do micronutrient correctors replace a plant protection product?

No. They are fertilizers that correct deficiencies; they do not replace authorized plant protection treatments.

Iron, Zinc and Manganese Deficiencies: How to Identify and Correct Them

Q: Why do my trees turn yellow even though I apply iron?

In calcareous soils, iron without a stable chelate gets locked up within hours. A high ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate stays available to the roots.

Q: When should zinc be applied?

Before budbreak or during the early growth stages, and whenever symptoms appear.

Quick answer: iron, zinc and manganese deficiencies show up as yellowing between the leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis). They're very common in calcareous, high-pH soils, where these micronutrients are present but locked up. They're corrected with chelates or complexed forms that stay available: via fertigation for a lasting fix, or as a foliar spray for a fast response.

How to tell each deficiency apart

Deficiency	Typical symptom	Where it appears
Iron (Fe)	Yellow leaf with strongly marked green veins; in severe cases, almost white	Young leaves and shoots
Zinc (Zn)	Small, narrow leaves, short internodes (rosette-like appearance), mottled chlorosis	New shoots
Manganese (Mn)	More diffuse, mottled interveinal chlorosis, with less marked green veins	Young and mid-age leaves

They often appear together. In that case, a multi-deficiency corrector is recommended.

Iron: iron chlorosis

In calcareous soils, iron applied without protection is immobilized almost immediately. That's why EDDHA chelate is used, the most stable form in high-pH soils.

Ferralia: 6% iron chelated with EDDHA, mostly in its ortho-ortho isomer, the most stable form. Fertigation 1.3 kg/ha.

Zinc and manganese

Product	Composition	Application
Terramin ZnMn	4.5% Zn + 2.6% Mn complexed, stable in soil	Fertigation 10-20 L/ha · Foliar 2.5-3 L/ha
Terralia	2.3% Zn + 1.1% Mn, easily absorbed. Citrus, olive, grapevine, avocado, strawberry, vegetables	Ask our team
Adherol	1% Zn + 1% Mn with a vegetable-oil adjuvant that improves spread over the leaf	Foliar 250 ml/100 L of spray mix
Rápida	2% soluble zinc, fast-acting	Foliar; ask our team
Argenta Plena	2% soluble zinc for soil correction	Soil application; ask our team
Zincaria	3% zinc with plant-based adjuvants, fortifying effect. Greenhouse and open-field vegetables	Foliar 1.5-2.5 L/ha
Salvia Defensa	2% zinc, strengthens the plant's natural defense system	Foliar approx. 2 L/ha

Multiple deficiencies

Costera: complexed boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc, with long-lasting stability in the soil. Fertigation 5-10 L/ha · Foliar 2-2.5 L/ha.
Costera Aminos: the same base enriched with amino acids to improve uptake. Same recommended doses.

Irrigation or foliar: which route to choose?

Fertigation: corrects the underlying cause in the soil and gives a lasting effect. Essential for iron in calcareous soils.
Foliar: visible response within a few days; ideal for zinc and manganese, or to correct a specific symptom.

Controlling the pH of your irrigation water greatly improves the effectiveness of any corrector: see how to correct irrigation water pH.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my trees turn yellow even though I apply iron?

In calcareous soils, iron that isn't protected by a stable chelate gets locked up within hours. A high ortho-ortho EDDHA chelate, such as Ferralia, stays available to the roots.

When should zinc be applied?

Ideally before budbreak or during the early growth stages, when the plant is forming new leaves and shoots, and whenever symptoms appear.

Do these products replace a plant protection product?

No. They are fertilizers that correct deficiencies and strengthen the plant's overall condition; they are not plant protection products and do not replace authorized treatments against pests or diseases.

Not sure which deficiency your crop has? Send us a photo or your leaf analysis and our technical team will guide you. Also see: boron and molybdenum for flowering and fruit set.