Zinc

Constraint - Zinc 

Plant use

• Zinc is a micronutrient

• Zinc is involved in formation of chlorophyll and protein synthesis, as well as water intake and efficient usage

Symptoms 

• Small bronze spots on older leaves

•  Can cause distortion of leaves

•  In severe cases, most or all leaf growth is affected

• Symptoms can be temporarily induced by cold wet weather

Damage

• Yield penalty can be occur if left untreated

Management

A soil test or a plant tissue test should be used to confirm zinc deficiency. An appropriate amount of zinc fertiliser can then be applied. 

Links and Resources

DEPI VIC - What nutrients do plants require? Zinc Section 6.4.3. Zinc uses by plants, deficiency symptoms, and certain soils and management practices that increase likelihood of zinc deficiency. Page last updated 2013.

GRDC - Best Practice Management Guide. Zinc Page 37 of 92. Deficiency symptoms and fertiliser strategies. Published 2009.

GRDC - Micronutrients and trace elements. Zinc 4 page PDF. Key points, general introduction, crop demand and uptake, tissue testing, soil testing, visual symptoms, soilmapp,effects of soil type, and treatment. Page 2 has specific information on zinc. Published 2013.

IPNI - Canola 4R Guide. Zinc Page 21 of 21. Description, impact, contributing factors, and management. Published 2013.