Zinc concentration of navy bean seed as affected by rate and placement of three zinc sources

Increased zinc (Zn) concentration in seed may sometimes improve human health. The influence of rate and placement of three Zn sources (ZnEDTA, ZnSO₄, and Rayplex‐Zn) on Zn concentration in navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed grown on a Calciaquoll was studied in the greenhouse. Application of 4 and 8 mg Zn/kg mixed throughout the soil increased seed Zn concentration by approximately 60 and 68%, respectively, and the responses were similar with the three Zn sources. The mixed‐throughout‐the‐soil ZnEDTA, ZnSO₄, and Rayplex‐Zn treatments applied at 8 mg Zn/kg reduced seed phosphorus (P) concentration by 10,13, and 15%, respectively. The corresponding reductions with 4 mg Zn/kg were 10, 8, and 13%, respectively. Banding ZnEDTA, ZnSO₄, and Rayplex‐Zn at 4 mg Zn/kg in 17‐cm‐long, 3‐cm‐deep bands reduced seed Zn concentration by 8, 34, and 31 % compared to their mixed‐throughout‐the‐soil counterparts. A significant Zn source x placement interaction resulted from marked reduction in Zn uptake as a result of banding ZnSO₄ and Rayplex‐Zn. Banding of ZnSO₄ and Rayplex‐Zn in calcareous soils is less likely to increase the Zn concentration of navy bean seed than is banding of ZnEDTA.     

Mobility of Organic and Inorganic Zinc Fertilizers in Soils

Abstract

Zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ · H₂O) has traditionally been the “reliable” source of zinc (Zn) fertilizer, but other sources of Zn are also available. Some are derived from industrial by‐products, varying from flue dust reacted with sulfuric acid to organic compounds derived from the paper industry. The degree of Zn mobility in Zn sources derived from these various by‐products is related to the manufacturing process, the source of complexing or chelating agents (organic sources), and the original product used as the Zn source. Many claims are made regarding the relative efficiency of traditional inorganic Zn fertilizers and complexed Zn sources. The objective of this column study was to compare the mobility of several commercial Zn fertilizer materials (organic and inorganic) that are commonly used to correct Zn deficiencies in soils. The sources included three granular inorganic Zn sources, two granular organically complexed Zn sources, and liquid ZnEDTA. Soil columns were leached five times with deionized water. Leaching events were separated by approximately 48 h. At the conclusion of the leaching phase, columns were analyzed for plant‐available Zn. Water solubility was the primary factor affecting Zn movement, not total Zn content or organic complexation of the fertilizers. The Zn sources evaluated can be separated into three groups: ZnEDTA, ZnLigno, and ZnSO₄ were the most mobile Zn sources; the ZnOx55 was less mobile, but seemed mobile enough to meet crop needs; ZnOx26 and ZnSuc were relatively immobile Zn sources.     

Comparative efficacy of ZnSO4 and Zn-EDTA application for fertilization of rice ( Oryza sativa L.)

Widespread Zn deficiency for rice crop has been reported from different parts of the world, including India. To correct such deficiency, Zn is often applied to the soil as fertilizer. Its concentration in soil solution and its availability to crops is controlled by sorption?–?desorption reactions at the surfaces of soil colloidal materials. The objective of this study was to compare the availability and relative effectiveness of Zn from Zn-EDTA and ZnSO₄ sources by applying different Zn levels to a calcareous soil in field experiments through soil application. The uses of Zn-EDTA also increase the yield of rice dry matter yield and grain yield. Regarding maintenance of Zn in soil, it has been observed that the amount of Zn content was recorded higher with the split application of Zn-EDTA as compared to ZnSO₄ with the simultaneous 26.1% increase in the yield of rice.     

Evaluation of different zinc sources for lowland rice production

 ZnSO₄, Zn-enriched farmyard manure (Zn-FYM), Zn-tetraammonia complex sorbed on FYM [Zn(NH₃)₄-FYM] and Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Zn-EDTA) were compared as Zn sources for rice production under lowland conditions. The amount of Zn supplied by Zn-EDTA was one-tenth of that supplied by the other Zn sources. Zn application to a Zn-deficient soil corrected the visual symptoms of Zn deficiency and significantly increased the total biomass, grain yields and the harvest index of rice, as well as the Zn concentration in the grain and the uptake of Zn by the straw and the grains. Even with lower rates of application (0.25 and 0.5 mg Zn kg^–1 soil), Zn-EDTA treatments gave comparable values for these parameters, and the highest "Zn-mobilization efficiency" compared to the other Zn sources. The content of diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA)-extractable Zn in the soil of the different treatments after the harvest of rice was in the order; ZnSO₄=Zn-FYM>Zn(NH₃)₄-FYM=Zn-EDTA. The application of Zn also significantly increased the number of panicles that emerged between 80 to 93 days after transplanting, though the total number of panicles at harvest remained unaffected. The calculated panicle-emergence index had a positive correlation with the grain yield of rice. The Z_n-EDTA treatment, inspite of supplying the lowest amount of Zn, as well as leading to the lowest rate of Zn uptake, produced the highest yields. Therefore, we concluded Zn-EDTA to be the most efficient source of Zn for lowland rice production. Received: 20 October 1998     

Effects of Green Manures and Zinc Fertilizer Sources on DTPA-Extractable Zinc in Soil and Zinc Content in Basmati Rice Plants at Different Growth Stages

Rice is very sensitive to low zinc(Zn) supply in submerged paddy soils and Zn deficiency is one of the major limiting factors in determining rice production in India. A field experiment was conducted during the summer-rainy seasons of 2009 and 2010 at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to determine the effects of summer green manure crops and Zn fertilizers on diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid(DTPA)-extractable(available) Zn concentration in soil and total Zn content in Basmati rice cultivar Pusa Basmati 1 at periodic intervals. Summer green manure crops included Sesbania aculeata(Dhaincha),Crotalaria juncea(Sunhemp), and Vigna unguiculata(Cowpea) and the Zn fertilizers used were ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid(EDTA)-chelated Zn, ZnSO_4·7H_2O, ZnSO_4·H_2O, ZnO, and ZnSO_4·7H_2O + ZnO. Beneficial effects of summer green manure crops and Zn fertilizers on DTPA-extractable Zn concentration in soil and total Zn content in dry matter of Basmati rice at periodic intervals were observed, with significant increases in all the determined parameters, in comparison with those in the control(no Zn application or summer fallow). The rate of increase varied among summer green manure crops and Zn fertilizers during both years. Among the summer green manures, incorporation of S. aculeata led to a significant increase in mean Zn content in Basmati rice grain and straw when compared with C. juncea, V. unguiculata, and summer fallow treatments. Among the Zn fertilizers, significant increases in Zn content in Basmati rice dry matter and DTPA-extractable Zn concentration in soil during various growth stages of the plant were recorded with EDTA-chelated Zn application, followed by the application of ZnSO_4·7H_2O, ZnSO_4·H_2O, ZnSO_4·7H_2O + ZnO, ZnO,and no Zn. The highest mean Zn content in Basmati rice grain and straw was recorded with EDTA-chelated Zn application in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The application of ZnSO_4·7H_2O was the second best treatment after EDTA-chelated Zn; however, it was statistically inferior to EDTA-chelated Zn. The lowest values were recorded with the control(no Zn application) during both years of study. The amount of Zn concentration in soil was found to be significantly positively correlated with the Zn content in Basmati rice dry matter during both years. Significantly higher levels of residual fertility in soil after the harvest of Basmati rice were observed with application of EDTA-chelated Zn and incorporation of S. aculeata when compared with those of other Zn sources and summer green manures.     

Effectiveness of three different zinc fertilizers and two methods of application for the control of “little‐leaf’ in peach trees in south texas

Abstract

Fall soil treatments of ZnEDTA and ZnSO₄ at three increasing rates of 32.2, 64.4, and 128.8 g Zn/tree, and one, two, or three spring foliar treatments of NZN (0.35 g Zn/tree application) replicated four times in a randomized complete block design were tested to find the most effective Zn source, method and rate of application, and economical method for controlling Zn deficiency in three year old ‘Earligrande’ peach trees from 1989 to 1990. The Zn fertilizers had no statistical influence on the soil pH change. The high rates of ZnSO₄, NZN, and ZnEDTA produced equal chlorophyll contents and had no statistical difference in tree appearance. Neither those trees which received three foliar applications of NZN nor those that received the high ZnEDTA soil treatment showed Zn‐deficiency symptoms other than a few chlorotic leaves on top of the trees as a result of Zn being a non‐mobile element. A fourth NZN application, or a delay in initiation of the three NZN spray schedule, would be necessary to compensate for lack of Zn late in the season. All soil applied fertilizers increased the Zn soil content. Zinc EDTA at 128.8 g Zn/tree significantly increased the foliar Zn and chlorophyll content of the treated trees. However, the use of ZnEDTA was not economical. The Control 2‐treatment trees which represented the standard practice in the orchard, had to continuously produce new leaves to replace those lost to peach rust. As a result, these trees were more Zn deficient than the high ZnEDTA‐treatement trees because Zn had to be continuously replaced while those trees with complete leaf compliments only had to obtain enough Zn for new terminal growth. Prevention of rust‐induced defoliation showed the importance of maintaining healthy trees with a full leaf canopy throughout the entire growing season. Three applications of NZN at 0.35 g Zn/tree gave excellent tree response and was the most cost effective treatment.     

Influence of water solubility of granular zinc fertilizers on plant uptake and growth

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) fertilizer application has increased during the past three decades. This increase has created the need for more information regarding the availability and agronomic effectiveness of Zn containing fertilizers because differences of opinions exist relating the relationships between Zn water solubility and plant availability. Plant availability of eight commercialized Zn fertilizer materials having different water solubilities was measured under greenhouse conditions. Corn (Zea mays L.) plants were grown for 40 days in a soil (loamy, mixed, mesic arenic Ustollic Haplargid) amended with lime to two pH's: 6.3 and 7.4. To evaluate the effect of pH, some Zn fertilizers were used at both soil pH levels while all Zn fertilizers were used in the pH 7.4 soil. The experimental design was a factorial combination of pH, Zn fertilizers, and Zn rates of 0,2.1,4.2,8.4 mg Zn kg^?1 soil. Dry matter production and Zn uptake increased significantly when the soil pH decreased from 7.4 to 6.3. The highest dry matter production was obtained with ZnSO₄ (ZnSO₄ H₂O, 99.9% total water soluble Zn), Zn20 (Zn oxysulfate, 98.3% total water soluble Zn), and Zn27 (Zn oxysulfate, 66.4% total water soluble Zn). While ZnFe (Zn iron ferrite, 0.3% total water soluble Zn), ZnK (Zn oxide, KO61, 1% total water soluble Zn), and ZnOS (Zn oxysulfate, 0.7% total water soluble Zn) were less effective followed by Zn40 (Zn oxysulfate, 26.5% total water soluble Zn) and ZnOxS (Zn oxysulfate, 11% total water soluble Zn). The same trend was observed for Zn concentration and uptake. Regression correlations showed that the higher the water solubility, the more effective the Zn fertilizer in increasing dry matter production. Assuming that 5 to 10 kg Zn ha^?1 are the rates commonly recommended, about 50% water soluble Zn is required to adequately supply the crop's needs. Lower fertilizer rates were needed as Zn solubility increased. The cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations and uptakes in corn forage were not significant for any of the sources and rates.     

Diurnal rhythm of release of phytosiderophores and uptake rate of zinc in iron-deficient wheat

Abstract

The diurnal rhythm of release of phytosiderophores and uptake rate of zinc (Zn) was studied in iron (Fe) deficient wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Ares) plants grown in nutrient solution under controlled environmental conditions. Different forms of Zn (e.g. ZnSO₄, ZnEDTA) were used to obtain different degrees of loading of the root apoplasmic pool with Zn.

In the Fe-deficient plants the release of phytosiderophores from the roots followed a distinct diurnal rhythm with a steep peak about 4 h after the onset of the light period. These plants also showed a similar pattern in the rates of Zn uptake over the 24 h day-night cycle. During the light period there was a steep transient peak (factor 3.8) in Zn uptake rate in the Fe-deficient plants supplied with ZnSO₄. This transient peak was much less distinct in plants supplied with ZnEDTA (factor 1.8) and absent in plants supplied with ZnEDTA plus free chelator (+ NaEDTA) in excess. The peak in Zn uptake coincided with the maximum rate of phytosiderophore release in the Fe-deficient plants. In the Fe-sufficient plants the release of phytosiderophores was very low and no such peak in Zn uptake rates could be observed.

These results demonstrate that phytosiderophores mobilize Zn not only in the rhizosphere, but also from the root apoplast. Thus, the apoplasmic pool of micronutrient cations has to be taken into account as potential source for both uptake and diurnal variation in uptake rates of Micronutrient cations.     

Efficiency of soil-applied 67Zn-enriched fertiliser across three consecutive crops

A very small amount of applied zinc (Zn) is taken up by crops, resulting in low recovery by plants. Adding elemental sulphur to zinc oxide (ZnO) fertiliser could improve Zn solubilisation and exert a higher residual effect on crops than soluble Zn sources. We produced an isotopically labelled Zn-elemental sulphur fertiliser and evaluated its performance in comparison to traditional Zn sources during sequential crop cultivation. Three ⁶⁷Zn-labelled fertilisers, ZnO, zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄), and ZnO co-granulated with elemental sulphur (ZnOS⁰), were soil applied, and their contributions to the uptake of Zn by three consecutive crops, wheat, ryegrass, and corn, were assessed in a 294-d pot experiment. The contributions of Zn fertilisers followed the order:ZnSO₄ > ZnO=ZnOS⁰. The relative contributions of Zn fertilisers were lower in the first crop than in the subsequent crops. The overall recovery of applied Zn by the three crops was higher for ZnSO₄ than for ZnO and ZnOS⁰, reaching 1.56%, 0.45%, and 0.33% of the applied Zn, respectively. Zinc recovery by plants was very low, regardless of the source of Zn. Adding elemental sulphur to ZnO did not increase its effectiveness up to 294 d after application. Fertiliser contribution was higher for the subsequent crops than for the initial crop, indicating the importance of assessing the residual effects of Zn fertilisers.     

Effect of Zn binding to phytate and humic substances on its uptake by wheat (Triticum durum L.) as affected by carbonates and Fe oxides

Although complexation with soil organic matter may improve zinc (Zn) bioavailability to plants, the effect of Zn sorbent surface on the use of complexed Zn by plants remains unknown. The objective of this research was to elucidate how Zn complexation with humic substances (HS) and phytate affects the uptake of Zn by wheat plants depending on the main sorbent surface in growth media, i.e., carbonates and Fe oxides. To this end, two pot experiments were performed, one using Fe oxide-coated siliceous as the siliceous growth medium sand and the other using a mixture of calcareous sand and siliceous sand as the calcareous growth medium. Each experiment involved three Zn sources, Zn-HS complex, Zn phytate, and ZnSO₄. All sources were applied with surface irrigation at two Zn rates (0.25 and 2 mg kg^-1 growth medium). The Zn-HS complex significantly increased Zn uptake by plants in both media, relative to the other two Zn sources, but no significant difference was observed between Zn phytate and ZnSO₄. In the calcareous medium, Zn-HS complex and Zn phytate resulted in significantly higher dry biomass yields of wheat than ZnSO₄. In the siliceous medium, spike and shoot dry biomass yields with Zn-HS complex at the low rate and Zn phytate at both rates were not significantly different from those with ZnSO₄ at the high rate. After harvest, approximately 50% of the Zn applied as Zn-HS complex remained extractable by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), while this proportion was less than 20% for the other Zn sources. Thus, Zn-HS complex and Zn phytate are sources of available Zn for plants, and they are more effective than ZnSO₄ in increasing plant growth, particularly when carbonates are the main Zn sorbent surface.     

Distribution of zinc forms in highly calcareous soils as influenced by soil physical and chemical properties and application of zinc sulfate

Abstract

Water‐soluble zinc (Zn) fertilizers are rapidly converted to insoluble forms in calcareous soils resulting in lower efficiency of such fertilizers. A knowledge of distribution of native and applied Zn in such soils is necessary for understanding the fate of applied Zn fertilizers and finding ways to increase their efficiency. This experiment was conducted to obtain such information in selected highly calcareous soils of Iran. A sequential extraction method was used to fractionate the Zn forms of surface horizons (0–20 cm) of 20 highly calcareous soils [16 to 58% calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) equivalent; pH 7.9 to 8.5] which had previously received 0, 10, or 20 mg Zn/kg as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) and had been under one corn (Zea mays L.) crop in the greenhouse. The forms determined were exchangeable (EXZN), sorbed (SRZN), organic (ORZN), carbonate (CRZN), residual (RSZN), and sum of forms (SMZN). The native SMZN ranged from 32.4 to 66.7 mg/kg with a mean of 49.9 mg/kg. Application of 10 and 20 mg Zn/kg as ZnSO₄ increased the mean to 57.7 and 62.7 mg/kg, respectively. Concentration of different forms of Zn in the soils was determined to be in the following order: RSZN >>> CRZN > SRZN > EXZN > ORZN. The concentration of native EXZN+SRZN+ORZN forms constituted less than 5% of SMZN, while concentration of CRZN alone ranged from 4.37 to 16.05% with a mean of 8.36%. Application of ZnSO₄, while significantly increased the concentration of all forms of Zn, had a pronounced effect on CRZN. Averaged over all soils, 58 and 60% of the applied ZnSO₄ was converted to CRZN for the 10 and 20 mg Zn/kg, respectively. Regression equations relating different Zn forms to soil physical and chemical properties indicated that the Zn forms are significantly influenced by soil properties.

It was concluded that conversion of applied ZnSO₄ to CRZN was mainly responsible for retention of this fertilizer in highly calcareous soils, making it temporarily unavailable to plants, and therefore decreasing its apparent recovery by the first crop.     

Effects of ZnSO4 and Zn‐EDTA applied by broadcasting or by banding on soil Zn fractions and Zn uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under greenhouse conditions

Zinc biofortification of staple food crops is essential for alleviating worldwide human malnutrition. Agronomic interventions to promote this should include fertilizer selection and management. A chelated Zn source, Zn‐EDTA, and an inorganic Zn source, ZnSO₄ × 7 H₂O, were applied either by banding or by broadcasting in soil, and Zn fractions in soil and Zn uptake by wheat were determined in a pot experiment. Compared to ZnSO₄ × 7 H₂O, Zn‐EDTA produced higher Zn concentration in grain regardless of application method and even at a lower application rate. Residual Zn fraction was the largest Zn fraction with both ZnSO₄ and Zn‐EDTA amendment. ZnSO₄ banded in soil caused Zn fractions to be restricted to the Zn‐amended soil band and resulted in lower grain Zn concentrations than did broadcast ZnSO₄. Planting wheat slowed Zn fixation by promoting the maintenance of a high concentration of Zn fraction loosely bound to organic matter (LOM‐Zn) in soil. Zn‐EDTA was a better Zn source for Zn biofortification of wheat than was ZnSO₄.     

Effect of summer green manuring crops and zinc fertilizer sources on productivity,Zn-uptake and economics of basmati rice

Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years on basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) during summer and rainy seasons (April–November) of 2009 and 2010 in a sandy clay-loam soil (typic Ustochrept) at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of zinc fertilizer sources [ethylenediamenetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-chelated zinc (Zn; 12% Zn), zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO₄.7H₂O; 21% Zn), zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO₄.H₂O; 33% Zn), zinc oxide (ZnO; 82% Zn), and ZnSO₄.7H₂O + ZnO (50% + 50%)] and summer green manuring crops [Sesbania aculeata, Crotalaria juncea and Vigna unguiculata] on productivity, Zn-uptake and economics of basmati rice. Among the summer green manuring crops, Sesbania aculeata accumulated highest amount of total dry matter, 5.46 and 5.77 t ha^?1 during 2009 and 2010, respectively. Incorporation of Sesbania aculeata also led to a significant increase in grain, straw and biological yields, Zn content and uptake and economics of succeeding basmati rice. With the incorporation of Sesbania aculeata, grain and straw yields of basmati rice was 4.89, 5.56 and 9.04, 10.21 t^?1 ha during 2009 and 2010, respectively. Among the Zn fertilizer sources, EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) was found to be the best with respect to grain, straw, and biological yields, Zn content and uptake and economics. Application of EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) recorded the highest basmati rice grain (5.15 and 5.76 t ha^?1) and straw yields (9.30 and 10.48 t ha^?1) compared to control (no Zn application), which produced 4.09 and 4.75 t ha^?1 of grain and 8.13 and 9.39 t ha^?1 of straw yields, respectively, during 2009 and 2010. Highest Zn concentration in grain and straw and its uptake was recorded with Sesbania aculeata incorporation compared with Crotalaria juncea, Vigna unguiculata and summer fallow. Highest total Zn uptake in basmati rice was recorded with EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) application, followed by ZnSO₄.7H₂O (21% Zn), ZnSO₄.H₂O (33% Zn), ZnSO₄.7H₂O + ZnO (50% + 50%), ZnO (82% Zn), and control (no Zn application). Sesbania aculeata incorporation and EDTA-chelated Zn (12% Zn) treatments were found a better combination with respect to basmati rice productivity. The best economical returns were obtained with Sesbania aculeata incorporation and ZnSO₄.7H₂O (21% Zn) combination. Thus, adequate Zn fertilization along with green manure crop incorporation can lead to higher productivity of basmati rice.     

Prediction of residual effects of zinc sulfate on growth and zinc uptake of corn plants using three zinc soil tests

Abstract

A significant portion of chemical zinc (Zn) fertilizers applied to calcareous soils is not absorbed by the first crop and may, therefore, affect the growth and chemical composition of the subsequent crops. This is called the residual effect of Zn. Soil tests may be used to predict such effects. The present experiment was conducted to study the residual effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) on the second crop of corn (Zea mays L.) grown on selected highly calcareous soils of Iran and to compare the suitability of three soil tests for prediction of the effects. Twenty highly calcareous soils of southern Iran (16–58% calcium carbonate equivalent; pH 7.9–8.5), previously treated with three levels of Zn (0, 10, and 20 mg Zn/kg as ZnSO₄) and under one crop of corn, was used in greenhouse to grow a second crop of corn without additional Zn fertilizer but with uniform application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and iron (Fe). Soils were sampled before the second crop and extracted with three Zn extradants, DTPA, EDTA‐(NH₄)₂CO₃, and EDTA. Dry weight of plant tops and Zn concentration and uptake after eight weeks under the greenhouse conditions were used as the plant responses to residual Zn. Statistical analyses including F‐test and multiple regression equations showed that the overall effect of previously‐applied Zn on dry matter was nonsignificant, but Zn concentration and uptake were significantly increased. The three soil tests predicted the Zn concentration and uptake equally well. Moreover, DTPA and EDTA soil tests could predict the dry matter of plants at the highest level of previuosly‐applied Zn (20 mg Zn/kg), especially when selected chemical properties of soil, namely, calcium carbonate equivalent or organic matter content, were considered in the regression equations.     

Agronomic and economic efficiency of ground tire rubber and rubber ash used as zinc fertilizer sources for wheat

The aim of this 2-year field experiment was to investigate agronomic and economic efficiency of ground tire rubber and rubber ash as zinc (Zn) sources for wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Kavir and Back Cross) compared with a commercial zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). A similar rate of Zn was used by soil incorporation of 40 kg/ha ZnSO₄, 200 kg/ha waste tire rubber ash, and 1000 kg/ha ground rubber. A no Zn added treatment was also considered as control. All Zn fertilizers significantly increased grain yield of wheat over the control, although effectiveness of rubber ash was greater than the other Zn sources. Wheat plants treated with rubber ash accumulated higher Zn in their grains compared with those treated with ground rubber and ZnSO₄. Tire rubber ash had the highest agronomic and economic efficiency and contained low levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Therefore, it can be used as an economic substitution for commercial ZnSO₄.     

Effects of zinc fertilizer amendments on yield and grain zinc concentration under controlled environment conditions

The application of zinc (Zn) fertilizer to lentil is an agronomic strategy that has the potential to improve yield and enhance grain Zn concentration. A pot study was conducted to determine if Zn fertilizer applied to three popular Saskatchewan lentil cultivars could increase yield and concentration of Zn in the grain. The effects of soil and foliar applied Zn forms, including ZnSO₄, Zn chelated with EDTA, Zn lignosulphonate, and a control were evaluated. Forms of Zn were not found to significantly increase yield (P = 0.828) or grain Zn concentration (P = 0.708) in any of the lentil cultivars tested. Fertilization with soil applied ZnSO₄ resulted in significantly (P < 0.0001) higher amounts of residual available Zn in the soil relative to other Zn treatments. Soil fertilized with ZnSO₄ had 1.13 mg kg^?1 diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn compared to 0.84 mg Zn kg^?1 and 0.77 mg Zn kg^?1 in the soil and foliar applied chelated Zn, respectively.     

Agronomic biofortification of chickpea with zinc and iron through application of zinc and urea

ABSTRACT

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiency-related health problems in humans may be solved by improving their concentration in edible grains. The study, conducted in 2015–16 and 2016–17, investigated the effects of soil and foliar application of Zn and foliar application of urea on grain Zn and Fe accumulation of chickpea grains. Soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 25 kg ha^?1 + foliar spray of ZnSO₄ @ 0.5% at flowering and pod formation stages resulted in the highest Zn (45.06 & 44.69 mg Zn kg^?1 grain in the first and second year of study) and Fe (59.74 & 62.88 mg Fe kg^?1 grain) content. Urea application @ 2% at flowering and pod formation stages also resulted in the highest grain Zn (41.12 & 40.26 mg Zn kg^?1 grain) and Fe (58.95 & 61.95 mg Fe kg^?1 grain) content. Grain yield and protein content were significantly increased over control with these treatments. As compared to the sole application of Zn, the combined use of Zn and urea improved the grain Zn and Fe contents. Zinc and urea can be applied to improve Zn and Fe content in chickpea grains and, therefore, can help in ameliorating malnutrition in burgeoning human population.     

Supplying Zinc Salt Tablets Increased Zinc Concentration and Yield of Coffee Trees

In Brazil there are two usual forms of supplying zinc (Zn) to coffee plants, in the soil with macronutrient fertilizers or by means of foliar sprayings. Both have limitations that compromise the Zn availability to the plant. This study examined the plant responses to the foliar sprays with ZnSO₄ and insertion of Zn salt tablets, made with a mix of Zn sources, into the orthotropic branches of Coffea arabica L. Zinc supplied by foliar sprays or tablets inserted into the trunk both increased leaf Zn content, although the tablets provided more consistent Zn supply. Coffee production was higher with Zn treatments, regardless of the method of supply. The supply of Zn by the insertion of tablets into coffee tree trunks thus proved to be a promising way to supply Zn.     

Effects of Forms and Rates of Zinc Fertilizers on Cadmium Concentrations in Two Cultivars of Maize

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three soluble zinc (Zn) fertilizers on cadmium (Cd) concentrations in two genotypes of maize (Zea mays): Jidan 209 and Changdan 374. Zinc fertilizers were added to soil at four levels: 0, 80, 160, and 240 mg kg^?1 soil as nitrate [Zn(NO₃)₂], chloride (ZnCl₂), and sulfate (ZnSO₄). Cadmium nitrate [Cd(NO₃)₂] was added to all the treatments at a uniform rate equivalent to 10 mg kg^?1 soil. The biomass of maize plants was increased with the application of three zinc fertilizers, of which Zn(NO₃)₂ yielded more than others. Under ZnCl₂ treatment, plant growth was promoted at the lower level and depressed at the higher one. All the three fertilizers decreased Cd concentration in shoots in comparison with treatments without Zn, but there were variations with different forms, especially in plants treated with Zn(NO₃)₂, which had the minimal value. The orders of average Cd concentration in shoots with different zinc fertilizers were ZnSO₄>ZnCl₂>Zn(NO₃)₂ for Jidan 209 and ZnCl₂>ZnSO₄>Zn(NO₃)₂ for Changdan 374, respectively (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between ZnSO₄ and ZnCl₂ treatments. The lowest Cd concentration in shoots was found in the 80‐mg‐kg^?1 soil or 160‐mg‐kg^?1 soil treatment. Cadmium concentration in roots in the presence of ZnCl₂ was the lowest and under ZnSO₄ the highest. The mechanism involved needs to be studied to elucidate the characteristics of complexation of Cl^? and SO₄ ^2? with Cd in plants and their influence on transfer from roots to shoots.     

Effect of Zinc × Boron Interaction on Plant Growth and Tissue Nutrient Concentration of Corn

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse on a calcareous soil (fine, mixed, mesic, Fluventic Haploxerepts) to study the interaction of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the growth and nutrient concentration of corn (Zea mays L.). Treatments consisted of a factorial arrangement of seven levels of B (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg kg^{? 1}as boric acid), two sources of Zn [zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O) and zinc oxide (ZnO)], and three levels of Zn (0, 5, and 10 mg kg^{? 1}) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Plants were grown for 70 d in 1.6 L plastic containers. Applied Zn significantly increased plant height and dry matter yield (DMY) of corn. Source of Zn did not significantly affect growth or nutrient concentration. High levels of B decreased plant height and DMY. There was a significant B × Zn interaction on plant growth and tissue nutrient concentration which were rate dependent. In general, the effect of B × Zn interaction was antagonistic on nutrient concentration and synergistic on growth. It is recommended that the plants be supplied with adequate Zn when corn is grown in high B soils, especially when availability of Zn is low.