Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for the growth and development of plants. It plays a crucial role in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and photosynthesis. In wheat crop, zinc deficiency can severely limit plant growth, leading to reduced yield and poor quality grains. Therefore, it is necessary to control zinc deficiency in wheat crop by adopting appropriate management practices.
Soil testing: The first step in controlling zinc deficiency in wheat crop is to evaluate the soil’s zinc status. Soil testing can provide valuable information about the availability of zinc in soil, which can help in determining the appropriate dosage of zinc fertilizers. Soil sampling should be done from various parts of the field to represent the soil’s variability. The optimum range of soil zinc for wheat crop is 1.5 to 2.0 mg kg−1.
Zinc fertilizers: Zinc fertilizers are essential to supplement the soil’s zinc deficiency. Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2), and zinc chelates are commonly used zinc fertilizers. Zinc sulphate is the most widely used zinc fertilizer due to its effectiveness and affordability. It can be applied either as a foliar spray or soil application. Zinc sulphate is applied at the rate of 25 to 50 kg ha−1 as a basal dose, and 0.25 to 0.5% as a foliar spray.
Nutrient management: Proper nutrient management can help in controlling zinc deficiency in wheat crop. A balanced and adequate supply of all the essential nutrients, including zinc, can promote plant growth and development. The addition of organic matter, such as manure, compost, and green manure, can improve the soil’s fertility and zinc availability.
Crop rotation: Crop rotation can help in controlling zinc deficiency in wheat crop. Leguminous crops like chickpea, lentil, and pea can fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve the soil’s zinc availability. The rotation of cereals with legumes can help in maintaining soil fertility and zinc status.
Conclusion: Control of zinc deficiency in wheat crop is crucial for achieving optimum yield and quality. Soil testing, zinc fertilizers, nutrient management, and crop rotation are some of the practices that can be adopted to control zinc deficiency in wheat crop. These practices can improve the soil’s fertility and zinc availability, leading to healthy growth and development of wheat plants.