Neutron activation analysis: zinc absorption in maize cultivation in nutrient solution

In order to verify zinc absorption and its distribution in maize plants, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at CDTN / CNEN, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Neutron activation analysis was the technique applied in the determination of Zn micro-nutrient in commercial substrate samples, maize seeds and parts of maize plants. The results indicated that there were statistical differences in stem diameter and length, root, stem and leaf dry matter. It was also possible to verify differences in shoot dry matter. Neutron activation analysis proved to be an appropriate technique for quantifying zinc in samples from the commercial Bioplant® substrate, maize seeds and maize plants in nutrient solution.