Efficient, Eco-Friendly Micronutrients Formulated with Gluconic Acid
12 April 2025, Netherlands: Unlock better plant health and soil-friendly nutrition with gluconic acid-based micronutrients from Ad Terram. High uptake, stable, and sustainable.
Healthy crops begin with balanced nutrition. While macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium often get the spotlight, micronutrients play a vital supporting role in crop development, resilience, and yield. At Ad Terram, we offer a sustainable and innovative line of micronutrient products based on gluconic acid, a natural complexing agent that offers better plant uptake and environmental benefits over traditional EDTA-based solutions.
What Are Micronutrients?
Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in small quantities to support vital physiological processes such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and reproductive development. Key micronutrients include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and others.
Even though plants need only trace amounts, deficiencies can lead to stunted growth, poor fruit development, and reduced yield. Efficient delivery and uptake of these elements is crucial—especially under challenging growing conditions such as leaching caused by heavy rainfall or highly variable soil pH. Our gluconic acid-based formulations are stable across a wide pH range (2–12) and stay longer available in the root zone after irrigation or rain.
What Is Gluconic Acid?
Gluconic acid is a naturally occurring organic acid derived from glucose. In agriculture, its most valuable property lies in its ability to chelate (bind with) micronutrient ions, keeping them stable and soluble so that they remain available for plant uptake.
Unlike synthetic chelating agents such as EDTA, gluconic acid is biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. It forms gentle, bioavailable complexes with metals, improving their mobility in the soil and availability at the root surface. This translates into better absorption and faster plant response, especially in foliar and soil applications.
Gluconic Acid vs. EDTA: Why Make the Switch?
Many conventional micronutrient products rely on EDTA, a synthetic compound that is persistent in nature and not readily biodegradable. Gluconic acid offers a more plant- and soil-friendly alternative.
Thanks to its natural structure, gluconic acid is more easily recognized by plants, facilitating active uptake pathways that EDTA-based products may not trigger. This results in improved nutrient efficiency, reduced waste, and a quicker visible effect on plant health.
| Aspect | Gluconic Acid | EDTA |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural (from glucose) | Synthetic |
| Biodegradability | Fully biodegradable | Poor |
| pH Stability | 2–12 range | Limited |
| Plant Uptake | Fast & efficient | Slower |
| Leaching Risk | Low (rain-stable) | High |
| Soil Health | Safe for microbes | May disrupt |
| Foliar Absorption | Excellent | Moderate |
Our Micronutrient Portfolio
At Ad Terram, we offer a full range of micronutrient products chelated with gluconic acid to meet the diverse needs of modern growers. Our formulations are designed for high efficacy, optimal uptake, and compatibility with various application methods (foliar, fertigation, seed treatment, and soil).
Our current product line includes:
- Iron Gluconate (Fe) – Supports chlorophyll synthesis and energy production
- Zinc Gluconate (Zn) – Essential for enzyme function and hormone regulation
- Manganese Gluconate (Mn) – Promotes photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism
- Copper Gluconate (Cu) – Involved in lignin formation and disease resistance
- Boron Gluconate (B) – Supports flower and fruit development and cell wall stability
- Molybdenum Gluconate (Mo) – Important for nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity
- Combined nutrients – Combination of important nutrients
We are proud to work alongside growers who prioritize not only productivity but also soil health, sustainability, and innovation. Our micronutrient products reflect this commitment—with performance you can see, and responsibility you can trust.
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