![]() This yield reduction occurred mainly in calcareous soil with high pH (pH > 8.3) and low soil test phosphorus and zinc. Previous studies in Minnesota have shown excessive application of phosphate fertilizers caused zinc deficiency in corn, which resulted in reduced grain yield. Phosphorus Level: There is a known relationship between phosphorus and zinc in the soil.This condition is termed as “fallow syndrome” and is a result of poor colonization of the plant root with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus which increases the plant’s ability to take up phosphorus and zinc. Previous Crop: The probability of a response to zinc fertilization increases if either corn or dry edible beans follows a crop of sugar beets (a non-mycorrhizal plant).The need for zinc in a fertilizer program increases as the percentage of free calcium carbonate increases. When soils are eroded, the amount of free calcium carbonate on the soil surface increases. Topsoil Removal: The probability of a response to zinc fertilization increases where topsoil has been removed or eroded away.Soil tests for zinc are recommended to determine if zinc is needed in a fertilizer program. However, the measured response to zinc fertilization in these situations has been small and has not occurred every year. Recent studies indicate a response to zinc can occur when high yielding crops are grown on sandy soils with low organic matter content. Soil Texture: In Minnesota, crop response to fertilizer-zinc takes place mostly on fine-textured soils.Root growth is also stunted by cool temperatures and reduces the plant’s ability to find new sources of zinc in the soil profile. When soil temperature is low, mineralization of soil organic matter slows down resulting less amount of zinc being released in the soil solution. Soil Temperature: Cool soil temperatures in early spring can intensify the need for zinc. Research at the University of Minnesota as well as other universities has identified soil conditions where a response to zinc fertilizers is expected. Therefore, a constant and continuous supply of zinc is needed for optimum growth and maximum yield. ![]() Carbohydrate, protein, and chlorophyll formation is significantly reduced in zinc-deficient plants. Growth and development would stop if specific enzymes were not present in plant tissue. Zinc is an important component of various enzymes that are responsible for driving many metabolic reactions in all crops. Plants take up zinc as the divalent ionic form (Zn2+) and chelated-zinc. In contrast, soils originating from igneous rocks are higher in zinc. Mineral soils with low soil organic matter also exhibit zinc deficiency. Sandy and highly leached acid soils generally have low plant available zinc. ![]() The amount of zinc present in the soil depends on the parent materials of that soil. Several research projects have focused on the use of this nutrient, and much of the following information is based on the results of that research. Zinc is a recommended micronutrient in fertilizer programs for production of corn, sweet corn, and edible beans. In Minnesota, while some soils are capable of supplying adequate amounts for crop production, addition of zinc fertilizers is needed for others. Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plant life.
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