Zinc deficiency

Constraint - Zinc Deficiency

Plant use

• Zinc is a micronutrient

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

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 - A Nutrient Review of Zinc in Wheat 12 page PDF. 'Zinc as a nutrient for agricultural crops in Southern Australia'. Extensive nutrient review. Written 2013. File size: 131kb

DEPI VIC - What nutrients do plants require? 6.4.3. Plant use, deficiency symptoms, and management practices that increase likelihood of deficiency. Page last updated 2013. File size: 131kb

SARDI - Nutrition Management in Broadacre Cropping. Zinc 5 page PDF. Information on macronutrients, micronutrients, deficiency symptoms, and management. File size: 131kb