“As you’re putting the final touches on your nutrient plan for spring,” said Craig Peterson, agronomist at Federated’s Ogilvie location, “ don't overlook zinc .”

Corn will reveal any zinc deficiency in the first few weeks of plant growth, according to Peterson. And, “cool temperatures in the early spring can magnify the need for zinc,” he said. However, It is possible to predict the need for zinc by:

• analyzing field history,
• soil testing, and
• tissue testing.

Zinc deficiency will show up as white striping on the leaves on each side of the mid rib (top photo), resulting in reduced chlorophyll; this can last season long. Severe zinc deficiency will cause shorting of the nodes, resulting in stunted plants (middle photo).

Peterson said, “Federated Co-ops carries zinc products that will fit anyone’s fertility program.” Dry products can be broadcast but in-furrow application is preferred so the zinc is available to the plant right from the start.

“One pound of actual zinc is a good starting point unless you have a soil test, tissue test, or history that recommends a certain rate,” he said.

• Zinc sulfate 35.5% is the most common dry product; it can be blended with starter at    3 lbs./ac., which provides 1 lb./ac. of actual zinc.
• Racer™ is a total micronutrient package that blends with dry starter, adding sulfur, manganese, iron, boron, and copper along with the zinc.
• MicroEssentials® SZ is a starter with nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc; each nutrient is fused into each granule for very even distribution (see the January 23 Agronomy Update for more info on this product). Federated highly recommends MicroEssentials SZ blended with potash.
• Liquid options are also available from Federated.
• EDTA Chelated Zinc mixes well with liquid starter and stays in suspension. Peterson said, “normally 1 qt./ac. is sufficient.”
• USA 500™ (universal starter additive) contains zinc and adds phosphate protection plus a growth stimulant that promotes overall plant structure. 

Talk to your Federated Agronomist to discuss the need for zinc on your farm. And, Peterson said, “Please remember to have a safe spring.”