Zinc turnover in soil-plant ecosystem

Field experiments were conducted to study the behaviour of applied Zn in soil-plant ecosystem in a cropping sequence of maize and wheat. Yield response to Zn application was not significant in both the crops but Zn content in the dry matter increased due to Zn application. The percentage utilization of applied Zn was 0.22, 0.38 and 0.04 in maize, and residual wheat and maize, respectively. Foliar application of Zn resulted in higher Zn content in wheat plants than soil application. A large portion of applied Zn remained in available form in soil even after two consecutive crops. Available, complexed and organic forms of Zn in soil increased due to Zn application. (author)