Zinc deficiency in poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex marsh) and its correction in a Typic Haplustept

One year old poplar plants (Clone G-48) grown in a Typic Haplustept were used to study their response to Zn fertilization (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g Zn as ZnSO₄. 7 H₂O plant⁻¹). Chemical analysis of index leaves revealed that the content of chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and total chlorophyll content as well as Zn concentration increased progressively with increasing levels of Zn fertilization. Also, the concentration of Zn in leaves was significantly and positively correlated with chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and total chlorophyll content. Application of 15 and 20 g Zn plant⁻¹ corrected Zn deficiency by increasing the chlorophyll content of Zn deficient poplar plants.