Response of Wheat to 2inc Application in Different Soils of Semi-Arid Region

The response of wheat grown on representative soils of semi-arid region to applied zinc was investigated under greenhouse conditions Twenty one diverse soils were used for this study with three levels of zinc in each soil. There was a significant increase in the leaf, stem, grain and total dry matter yields of plants due to zinc fertilization, in the absence of which characteristic visual symptoms of zinc deficiency were noted.

Response varied amongst the different soils, but in many of the soils yield was increased by the applied zinc; indicating the need for zinc fertilizer to maintain the soil zinc status at an adequate level for the crop. Zinc concentration in various plant parts was enhanced significantly by increasing rates of its application in all the soils irrespective of the initial zinc status. 0.60 ppm DTPA-extractable zinc was the critical limit below which economic responses are likely to occur.