Plant

Zinc helps regulate plant growth rate and root development. 

It is essential for enzyme activation and for the formation of auxin - a plant growth hormone. Reduced hormone production due to a zinc deficiency can stunt leaf growth and the shortening of internodes.

Zinc is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism and in the formation of cell proteins which help plants combat pests and disease stresses. 

Animal

In livestock, zinc is a key component of many enzymes that regulate processes
in metabolism, growth and immunity. 

Zinc contributes to a strong skeletal system and is also linked with improved foot and udder health.

Animals lacking in zinc may present with a reduction in feed intake, stunted growth, loss of hair/wool and keratotic skin lesions. 

Zinc is available for plant uptake in its ionic form (Zn²⁺). Its positive charge means it is able to bind to negatively charged clay particles within the soil, therefore soils with a high clay content tend to have higher levels of zinc.

Phosphate in soil solution binds with zinc to form insoluble compounds which reduces the amount of zinc available for plant uptake. High applications of P fertilisers can therefore induce zinc deficiencies. Other positively charged micronutrients – including copper and iron – compete with zinc for space on the exchange sites of clay particles and so excessive levels of these nutrients within the soil can lead to zinc deficiencies.

Zinc also becomes less available at a high pH (<7) and so fields which have received large applications of lime can be vulnerable to deficiency.

Plants with zinc deficiency present with interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins), upward cupping of leaves and their growth appears stunted.

Fruit and grain yield are often limited.

Where is the risk of deficiency highest?

• Sandy soils
• High pH
• Soils with excessive levels of phosphorus

Testing

A Broad Spectrum (BS) soil analysis can help determine the quantity of zinc which is likely to be available for crop uptake and can be used to tailor fertiliser plans and to help prevent deficiencies within the season.

Tissue testing is also useful to determine the zinc concentration of the plant mid-season in order to compare against optimum levels. Although laboratory results may be available too late to correct the deficiency in the current crop, they can be useful for decisions on zinc use for future crops.

Zinc is less prone to leaching losses due to its positive charge and its ability to bind to clay particles. Losses will be greater in soils with a low clay content. 

Right Product

Coating fertiliser granules with Wolf Trax zinc means that there are around 50 more landing sites in comparison to the granular alternative, resulting in greater plant uptake.

Right Time

In arable situations, applying zinc at crop establishment proactively prevents zinc deficiency. 

Right Place

Applying zinc to the foliage is often too late as plants have already lost yield potential. Applying zinc to the soil during establishment means there is no 'hunger gap' and helps build soil zinc reserves. 

Right Rate

Using a Wolf Trax zinc coating means plant uptake is maximised and so only small rates of zinc are required.

Fertiliser	Analysis	Features
Richland	22.7-2.5-5 + 3%S + 1.2%Mg + Cu + Zn + Mn	Richland is a well balanced NPK Fertiliser, containing trace elements. Its special formulation provides extra growth of sweet palatable grass, that cattle and sheep thrive on.
Replenish	18-2.5-14 + 2%S + 1.2% Mg + Cu + Zn + Mn	Replenish is a well balanced NPK Fertiliser, containing a range of trace elements which are as essential for quality grass as the major nutrients.
MICRO-MATCH zinc	0.05 – 0.1% Cu as required	A micronised charged powder which coats every granule of fertiliser. Contains both immediate and sustained release nutrition