Response of corn to zinc fertilization

Reports of a chlorotic condition on corn believed to be magnesium deficiency were received from Middle Tennessee in the summers of 1948 and 1949. Magnesium treatment failed to correct the trouble. Zinc deficiency was then suspected to be the cause of this chlorosis. Deficiencies attributed to zinc in corn result in a chlorosis of the plant, slow growth and greatly reduced yields. Within a few days after emergence of the corn seedlings, yellow to white striping appears between the veins of the plant leaves. As growth continues older leaves develop a purplish color along their margins and tips. The yellow to white striping of the interveinal tissue advances up the plant and can be noted on practically all leaves in late season. Also the purplish color noted on the lower leaves continues to develop and spreads over the entire leaf area. These discolored leaves soon die and drop from the plant.

Field fertilization trials with zinc and other minor elements were begun in the spring of 1951 in areas where chlorotic symptoms had been observed in previous years. A majority of the tests were located on the high phosphatic soils of the Central Basin. These field trials have been observed in previous years. The information obtained from these three years of field experimentation is reported herein.