Plants, like people, require a balanced diet. The role of major plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are understood and their use in fertilizers is taken for granted.

Less well-known is the crucial part played by micronutrient trace elements such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, magnesium and the like. Every plant requires micronutrients. These must be available in the correct proportions, and they must be administered at the right intervals. While specific needs vary according to climate, soil, technical measures adopted and choice of crop, it is vital that the proper balance is maintained.

If a plant lacks any of the micronutrients it requires, its development, growth or reproduction will be affected, resulting in lower yields. This may not always be immediately apparent. A plant may suffer from micronutrient malnutrition long before any symptoms become evident. Such a plant may appear healthy, but the quality and quantity of the crop will be adversely affected. Such a plant is suffering from Hidden Hunger.

Nutrient availability
 
Although many soils contain sufficient micronutrients to sustain optimal growth, these are often present in a form that renders them unavailable to the plant. This is because of chemical reactions that result in the adsorption of the positively charged metal ions by soil particles and the formation of the solid metal hydroxides.

To solve this problem, Akzo Nobel has developed a range of micronutrient products that make use of organic molecules known as chelating agents. By selectively binding the metal ions in an unbreakable protective grip, such precipitation will never take place.  Like a claw, the chelate maintains its tight grasp until the ion reaches the plant and is absorbed by it. In fact, the word "chelate" comes from a Greek word meaning "crab's claw".