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Maximizing corn yield hinges on precise nutrient management. Even subtle imbalances, like a zinc deficiency, can significantly reduce your harvest.
Zinc is vital for numerous plant processes, from enzyme activity to growth regulation. When deficient, corn exhibits stunted growth, interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins), and sometimes "white bud" in new growth. While soil-applied zinc is common, its availability can be limited by high soil pH, low organic matter, or cold, wet springs.
This is where foliar feeding zinc becomes an indispensable, rapid-response tool.
Foliar application offers distinct advantages for correcting zinc deficiency:
Rapid Uptake: Leaves quickly absorb nutrients sprayed directly onto them, providing a faster correction—often in days—compared to weeks for soil applications. This speed is crucial during key growth stages.
Targeted Delivery: Zinc goes straight to the plant's photosynthetic areas, bypassing soil antagonists and ensuring immediate use.
Efficiency: Even when soil conditions hinder zinc uptake (e.g., high pH, drought stress), foliar application ensures the nutrient reaches the plant effectively.
Precision: Smaller, more precise amounts can be applied, reducing the risk of over-application or toxicity, particularly in sensitive hybrids..
Successful foliar feeding relies on precise timing and technique. The ideal window for foliar zinc is V3 to V6 growth stages. This period is critical for root development and ear formation. While later applications (V7-V10) can still help, earlier intervention maximizes yield recovery.
Apply during cool periods, such as early morning or late evening, to prevent leaf burn and ensure optimal absorption. Avoid spraying during extreme heat or drought stress.
Foliar sources of zinc generally come as a sulfate, lignosulfonate or a chelate form. Opt for chelated zinc (e.g., EDTA, DTPA) or zinc sulfate. Chelated forms are superior for foliar use, protecting the zinc ion and enhancing absorption. Liquid formulations generally mix and apply more evenly. Always adhere to manufacturer rates and instructions.
Water Volume and Coverage: Ensure adequate water volume to achieve thorough coverage of the leaf surface. Aim for fine droplets that adhere to the leaves without excessive runoff. A good rule of thumb is 15-20 gallons per acre, but adjust based on sprayer setup and canopy density.
Nozzle Selection: Use nozzles that produce fine to medium droplets for optimal coverage and minimal drift. Flat fan or twin-fan nozzles are often preferred.
Adjuvants: The addition of a non-ionic surfactant can significantly improve droplet spread and penetration of the zinc solution into the leaf tissue. Some zinc products come pre-formulated with surfactants.
Compatibility: Before tank-mixing zinc with other pesticides or fertilizers, always perform a jar test to check for compatibility. Incompatibility can lead to sprayer clogging or reduced efficacy of the products.
After application, monitor your corn for recovery. You should observe yellowing receding and new growth turning greener within 7-10 days. Regular tissue sampling, particularly in fields with a history of zinc deficiency, provides valuable insights, allowing you to anticipate needs before visible symptoms appear. This proactive approach, combined with the rapid response of foliar feeding, empowers you to optimize your corn's nutritional status and safeguard your yield potential.
Integrating foliar zinc feeding into your nutrient management strategy can effectively correct deficiencies, promote robust growth, and ultimately lead to a more profitable corn harvest. It's a key component of modern precision agriculture.
FBN offers growers direct-to-farm access to a wide range of crop nutrition products with competitive pricing and clear cash price options. Our online platform allows you to browse various zinc formulations, ensuring you can select the best fit for your operation.
For instance, FARMERS FIRST™ Zinc EPC™ 2-0-0 is a chelated option designed for enhanced uptake, providing increased stability and compatibility. Other popular choices for foliar application may include Pro Zinc 9% for a readily available liquid zinc solution, and Zinc Sulfate 35.5% if you prefer a highly soluble inorganic form that can also be used in foliar applications at appropriate rates.
This direct-to-farm model simplifies procurement, offering 24/7 online access and direct delivery, which can save time and reduce input costs. Ensure you're getting quality micronutrient products delivered efficiently, helping you maintain optimal nutrient levels in your corn and respond quickly to deficiencies identified through scouting or tissue sampling.
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