Systems and methods for optimizing crop yield using amino acid chelates by comparing a crop with collected data about the desired amount of minerals that should be present are described. The system of the invention contains a database with data about the amount and type of minerals for optimum growth of a wide variety of plants. The system operates in a computing environment with input and output mechanisms allowing external users to input their own independent analysis data and/or access the database. The method of the invention is practiced by the user/farmer submitting samples for analysis (or just the analysis data), using the system to compare that analysis with the data in the system, the system providing a recommendation, and then the user/farmer applying the recommended amount of the mineral(s) (in the form of an amino acid chelate compound).