The cultivation of maize is one of the most important in the agricultural sector, with its performance depending directly on proper plant nutrition.
One of the most important nutrients for corn growth is zinc (Zn), the sufficiency of which is crucial for achieving high yields and quality production.
The role of zinc in corn
Zinc is essential for many physiological processes in the plant, such as.
- Protein synthesis: Involved in the creation of enzymes necessary for protein synthesis.
- Development of the root system: Enhances root growth, allowing the plant to better absorb nutrients and water.
- Photosynthesis: helps regulate chlorophyll production by improving the process of photosynthesis.
Zinc deficiency can lead to reduced growth, chlorosis of the leaves and ultimately to a significant reduction in yield.
Causes and symptoms of zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency in corn can be caused by several factors, such as.
- High soil pH: In alkaline soils (pH> 7), zinc availability is reduced
- Calcareous soils: soils with a high calcium content bind zinc, making it unavailable to plants.
- Intense irrigation: Excessive irrigation can cause zinc to leach out of the soil.
The main symptoms of deficiency include.
- Chlorosis: Yellowing of the leaves between the ribs.
- Reduced growth: Delay in plant growth and smaller leaf size.
- Delay in flowering: Zinc deficiency can delay the flowering process.
Zinc fertilisation strategies
To prevent and treat zinc deficiency, the following practices are recommended.
- Soil addition: add zinc-containing fertilisers before sowing.
- Interfacial application: Spraying of leaves with zinc solutions during growth.
- Selection of suitable fertilizers: use of compound fertilizers containing zinc, such as DOT CORN 30-10-5+Zn by ZIKO S.A.
The product DOT CORN 30-10-5+Zn
DOT CORN 30-10-5+Zn is a mixed dense granular fertilizer, specially formulated for the cultivation of corn. Its composition includes.
- Nitrogen (30%): contributes to the growth of the leaf surface.
- Phosphorus (10%): enhances root growth and flowering.
- Potassium (5%): improves fruit quality and plant hardiness.
- Zinc (0.2%): essential for metabolic processes and avoiding food poisoning.
The application of DOT CORN 30-10-5+Zn is recommended as follows.
- For fruit production: 50-60 kg per hectare
- For silage: 40-60 kg per acre.
The application is done by a fertilizer spreader, followed by incorporation into the soil. The urea and ammoniacal form of nitrogen it contains ensures leaching resistance and increased availability to plants.
