Are you balancing your phosphorus fertilizer with zinc?
As you increase the level of phosphorus in your fields, you may be triggering a zinc deficiency. The optimum rate of phosphorus fertilizer can tie up plant-available zinc in the soil, thereby impacting the productivity and genetic potential of the crop.
Watch the video below (less than 3 minutes) to learn:
- Why the addition of zinc (Zn) may help you maximize your phosphorus (P) investment
- How P and Zn interact
- Mycorrhizae’s critical role in the uptake of Zn
- Zinc options to consider for the upcoming season
Zinc is an essential nutrient since it:
- Aids in plant growth hormones and enzyme systems
- Helps in seed formation
- Is necessary for protein synthesis and membrane function
- Influences plant growth proteins, for example auxin development, especially IAA
- Is active in chlorophyll synthesis and manufacturing of carbohydrates
- Causes healthy root growth, leading to enhanced grain yield
Phosphorus is a key component of every crop fertility plan since it:
- Stimulates early season growth
- Helps the crop grow deeper and stronger roots
- Hastens plant maturity and promotes seed production
- Functions as one of the main promoters of photosynthesis, nutrient transport and energy transfer via energy-rich linkages (ATP)