Zinc deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrient deficiencies in crops and pastures worldwide and causes large losses in crop production and crop quality. Almost half of the world's cereal crops are grown on zincdeficient soils. As a result zinc deficiency in humans is a widespread problem. Zinc deficiency is common in different types of soils; some soils have low total zinc concentration and others have low plant-available zinc due to its strong sorption. Soils low in organic matter and compacted soils that restrict root proliferation also have a high risk of its deficiency. Liming of soils also frequently induces zinc deficiency by increasing zinc sorption. Zinc is an essential micronutrient which means it is essential for plant growth and development but is required in very small quantities. Application of zinc may not correct its deficiency in alkaline soils because even with the addition of zinc it may remain unavailable for plant absorption. Foliar applications of it as zinc sulphate or as zinc chelate are also widely used especially in fruit trees and grape vines. Zinc can also be supplied as a seed treatment or by root dipping of transplant seedlings. It occursin plants asafreeion, asa complex with a variety of low molecular weight compounds or as a component of proteins and other macromolecules. The article gives an insight into the role and importance of zinc in plants and for human beings.
Zinc, deficiency, soil, plant, application
