<p>Chelates play a vital role in modern agriculture by improving micronutrient uptake and enhancing soil conditions. Chelating agents are multidentate ligands that form stable, water-soluble complexes with metal ions through coordination bonds—a process influenced by pH, concentration, temperature, and ionic strength. This review comprehensively examines the chemical properties of chelates in fertilizers, focusing on their functions in nutrient stabilization, solubility, and bioavailability, as well as their contributions to nutrient transport, plant metabolism, and environmental stress resistance. A bibliometric analysis of approximately 500 articles from the Web of Science Core Database was conducted. Cluster analysis identified high-frequency keywords, while graphical tools were used to create functional pathway diagrams and mechanism models, providing a clear visualization of chelate mechanisms and processes. Chelates enhance the bioavailability of micronutrients by forming stable complexes with metal ions, reducing nutrient loss and mitigating environmental pollution. They adapt effectively to diverse soil conditions, especially in stabilizing iron and zinc in alkaline soils. Additionally, their synergy with organic matter, inorganic salts, and microbial activity improves fertilizer efficiency. This study highlights the pivotal role of chelates in enhancing fertilizer efficiency and supporting sustainable agriculture. It establishes a scientific foundation for the development and application of chelates, offering insights for efficient and eco-friendly fertilizer practices.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>