Zinc -The Miracle Nutrient of Agricultural Crop Production

Abstract

Zinc is involved in most plant growth functions. Zinc helps produce auxins. Zinc is a growth promoting substance that controls the development of the shoot. Zinc also forms enzyme systems, which regulate plant life. Yet zinc is the most common micronutrient deficiency in agriculture today! Zinc deficiency can limit yields of corn, beans, wheat, cotton, sorghum, fruits, and vegetables. Yet, without this essential ounce of zinc no crop would grow at all. A grown man needs only seven one-thousandths of an ounce (25gm) of zinc per day. Yet this small amount helps build body protein, generate energy, promotes growth, and enhances taste and smell. Keywords: crop production through Zn application, nutritional deficiency, signs and symptoms of Zn, sources of Zn, yield,