Plant Nutrition
Zinc Nutrient Info

Zinc - Quick Facts
- Zinc activates or is a component of several enzymes and therefore affects many metabolic processes in the plant.
- As a component of enzymes, zinc catalyzes the synthesis of fructose-6-phosphate, an important metabolite in glycolysis and therefore photosynthesis.
- Affects the indole-3-acidic acid content which is important for regulation of plant growth.
- Zinc plays an essential role in ATP and protein synthesis.
- Zinc is an essential component of RNA polymerase which catalyzes RNA synthesis, which in turn affects production of proteins.
- Form used by plant: Zn+2
Zinc - Role of Nutrient
- Aids plant growth hormones and enzyme systems.
- Helps in seed formation.
- Necessary for protein synthesis and membrane function.
- Influences plant hormone proteins, for example auxin development, especially IAA.
- Active in chlorophyll synthesis & manufacturing of carbohydrates.
- Zinc causes healthy root growth, leading to enhanced grain yield
Zinc - Nutrient in Soil
- Excess Zn encourages iron deficiency and reduces manganese absorption.

Zinc - Deficiency Symptons
- Leaves are smaller and narrower than normal (“little leaf”), and their tips are often white. The entire plant is often stunted (dwarfism)
- Malformation of foliage and reduced fruit set
- Yellow or chlorotic striping
- Older and middle leaves display chlorotic spots with necrotic areas
- Shortened internode
- In fruit crops, ‘rosette’ or ‘little leaf’ development occurs because of jammed internodes
- The growth of sprigs is inhibited and young shoots die
- Premature leaf senescence can also occur
- Leaf roll in potatoes
Zinc - Factors Affecting Deficiency
- Low organic matter soils, high pH soils, light and sandy soils.
- The pH and the total Zinc content of the soil.
- Excessive sulphate and phosphate content in the soil solution will result in immobilization of zinc.
- Under anaerobic conditions, zinc can be precipitated into the barely soluble sulphide form which is largely unavailable to plants.
- Conditions in which restrict root development such as compacted and cold wet soils, will negatively affect Zinc availability.
- High available P can accentuate Zn deficiencies as well as high N fertilization and very high potassium levels may also induce Zn deficiency.
Zinc - Deficiency Photos
Zinc deficiency in Canola | Zinc Deficiency in Canola
Zinc deficiency in Soybeans | Zinc Deficiency in Soybeans
Zinc deficiency in Soybeans | Zinc Deficiency in Canola
Zinc deficiency in Soybeans | Zinc Deficiency in Canola
Zinc deficiency in Wheat | Zinc Deficiency in Wheat
R3 Agronomic Platform

Roots – The vegetative stage looks to develop vigorous, healthy roots to maximize nutrient acquisition from the soil. The end result is a healthy root rhizosphere.
Reproduce – Supply the essential nutrients at reproduction to help the plant maximize pollen viability, flowering, pollination, seed set and fruit development.
Ripen – Late season nutrition is vital to optimize the nutrient density and quality of the crop.