Soygreen® vs. Farmers First™ Iron EPC™: Iron Deficiency Chlorosis Solutions

What Is Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC)?

Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC), a common issue for farmers growing soybeans in high pH soils, is the result of iron (Fe) “tie up” in the soil that prevents the crop from being able to take up and utilize iron.

IDC typically causes substantial yellowing of foliage and a stunted crop, significantly reducing yield. While most common in soybeans due to their expansive acreage, the phenomenon is also seen in other legumes like dry edible beans and peas.

Iron is an essential component in many plant processes. A positively charged molecule, iron interacts with other negatively charged molecules.

When interacting with enzymes, iron is a critical co-factor, and without it, the enzymes cannot perform their job. For example, iron is a key co-factor for multiple enzymes in the process of chlorophyll production. Without chlorophyll, plants cannot capture light photons at the beginning of photosynthesis. This is why a deficiency in iron leads to yellowing, or the inability to create enough chlorophyll.

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