To meet the Zinc requirement of crops in Zn deficient soils fertilizers like urea, diammonium phosphate and single super phosphate are fortified with Zn for soil application . In the fertilizers, Zn is fortified to an extent of 0.5 to 1.5 %. For obtaining crop response to Zn and to enhance Zn concentration in seeds/grains of crops (fortification) what is the minimum concentration of Zn desired for fortification of fertilizers?
Dear ASR Sir, The zinc range of 1-2% is sufficient enough for fortification of seeds/grains over different crops.However,specifically i know more about wheat crop as this is main cereal crop in Punjab state during winter season.Here Punjab Agricultural University is recommending just two sprays of of 0.5% zinc sulphate hepta hydrate (21%) solution from anthesis to early grain development stages in evening hours.Furthermore ,this year PAU has come up with a new wheat variety namely PBW 1 Zn.My scanner quality is just average but You can see details on this aspect in attachments.Hope this is of some use to your goodself.
Adding Phosphorus alone can stimulate a deficient relationship with Zn based on nutrient antagonism. Both Zinc and P are less available when soil pH is higher than 7.3. Beside the idea of spiking P source with 1 to 2% zinc I would suggest best use of P and Zn would include the starter fertilizer blend placed at 4 to 5 cm to the side and below the seeding drill zone. If the P Zn mix could be mixed with elemental sulfur it would improve efficiency by generating needed activity in the alkaline environment. Along with Zn P S seed starter fertilizer it is critical to have good placement for the most efficient for fertilizer use, Finally along with placement iin semi arid and arid conditions where Zn and P deficiencies coincide the soils can be low in humic materials and the use of leonardite can help in relation to potential for allaying potential of salt issues. In a starter fertilize the use of leonardite, phosphorus sulfur and zinc can be a good alternative when placed appropriately. Compared to broadcast fertilization bands are more efficient and economic lower not only costs but also potential environmental issues.
Thank you Drs. Kulvir Singh and Hepperly for your responses.Dr.Singh, I appreciate the information provided by you but I am more interested in fortification of common fertilizer materials with Zn and the requisite concentration of Zn in the fertilizer. Dr.Hepperly, I agree with your total solution to take care of the deficiences of P and S along with Zn in alkaline soil environment in the semiarid and arid regions. Placement of fertilizer ,application of manure/compost or application of humic material like leonardite may further enhance the fertilizer nutrient use efficieny. I appreciate and agree with your concluding sentence.
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