Expert: Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr. - 4/1/2007

Question
I use an iron chelate (Either FE-EDTA or FE-HEDTA on some trees that have iron chlorosis around my house. Is there an easy method of preparation for Chelated Iron? I have looked on the web and can't seem to find one.
Thanks - Bryan  

Answer
It is actually easy to make for a chemist.  But there is a problem.  The ingredients would cost you more per pound than the product you are using.  You would need to buy 50 or 100 lbs of the chelate and the same of the iron form.  Then you would need equipment to mix and separate it, not to mention acid to complete the reaction.  I suspect the product you use has some other ingredients.  Bottom line, my guess would be several thousand dollars outlay and then you may not get the mix you need.  Just buying the chemicals would probably be more than the same weight of the product.

This is like the question I get all the time about swimming pool chemcials.  These people are making the chelate mix in LARGE quantities, so they can sell it cheaper than you can make it.  The same applies for milk, a cow and a barn would never be cheaper than the grocery store.