Using zinc fertilizer in plants
Importance, Benefits and Methods of Consumption
Introduction
Micronutrients play a very important role in the growth and health of plants. One of these vital elements is zinc (Zn), which is essential for many physiological processes in plants. Zinc deficiency in the soil can lead to reduced plant growth, reduced crop yields and the appearance of deficiency symptoms such as leaf shrinkage and interveinal chlorosis. Using fertilizers containing zinc is an effective way to provide this important element to plants.
The importance of zinc in plants
Zinc is one of the trace elements that is essential for plant growth. This element plays a role in many biological and biochemical processes in plants, including:
- Enzyme activation: Zinc is involved in more than 300 types of plant enzymes that participate in metabolic processes.
- Protein synthesis and cell growth: This element is effective in the structure of proteins and DNA in plants.
- Photosynthesis and hormone production: Zinc plays a key role in the production of growth hormones such as auxins, which are essential for the development of roots and shoots.
- Increases stress resistance: Zinc helps plants to resist biotic and abiotic stresses such as drought and disease.
Zinc deficiency symptoms in plants
Zinc deficiency in plants can cause the following symptoms:
- Yellowing of young leaves (interveinal chlorosis)
- Reduced growth and shrinkage of leaves
- Shortening of internodes and reduction of overall plant growth
- Reduced fruit and seed formation
Types of zinc fertilizers
Various fertilizers are used to provide zinc to plants, including the following:
- Zinc sulfate fertilizer (ZnSO4): This type of fertilizer is one of the most common sources of zinc for plants and is used as a foliar spray or soil application.
- Zinc chelate fertilizer (Zn-EDTA, Zn-DTPA): These fertilizers have higher absorption capacity and perform better, especially in calcareous soils.
- Zinc oxide (ZnO): Used as a low-solubility source to gradually supply zinc to the soil. It will be.
- Organic fertilizers containing zinc: such as organic fertilizers and enriched composts that gradually release the element zinc.
Methods of using zinc fertilizer
Various methods can be used to provide zinc to plants, including:
1. Soil application
In this method, zinc fertilizer is added to the soil. This method is mostly used to meet the long-term needs of plants. Due to the low stability of some zinc fertilizers in calcareous soils, the use of chelated fertilizers is recommended.
2. Foliar Spraying
One of the most effective methods of supplying zinc is foliar spraying of zinc-containing fertilizers on the leaves. This method has faster absorption and is more effective if deficiency symptoms are observed.
3. Seed treatment
In this method, seeds are treated with zinc-containing solutions before planting. This increases the initial growth of the plant and its better establishment in the soil.
Best time and amount of zinc fertilizer
- Time of application: The best time to use zinc fertilizer in plants is usually in the early stages of growth (such as germination and vegetative growth stages) and during flowering.
- Amount of application: The amount of application depends on the type of soil, crop, and method of application. Usually, about 5-10 kg/ha of zinc sulfate is recommended for soil application, while for foliar application, a concentration of 0.5 to 1 percent is recommended.
Positive effects of zinc fertilizer on crop yield
The use of zinc fertilizer has several effects on the growth and yield of agricultural products, including the following:
- Increase in crop production and yield
- Improving the quality of fruits and seeds
- Increasing plant resistance to stresses
- Increasing the productivity of other nutrients
Conclusion
Zinc is one of the important elements for plant growth and development, the deficiency of which can reduce the yield and quality of products. Using zinc-containing fertilizers in various ways, such as foliar spraying, soil application, and seed dressing, can compensate for the deficiency of this element and help improve plant health. With proper and principled management of zinc fertilizer use, farmers can achieve better yields from their crops.
