Comparing in Field Distribution for Zinc and Phosphorus in Plant and Soil Resulting From Applications of Composite and Mixed Fertilizers.

Due to the relatively low application rates (5.6-11.2 kgha-1 actual Zinc) uniform distribution of Zinc fertilizers may be a problem in some commercial corn (Zea maize) fields. As Zn moves slowly by diffusion in soil, corn roots must grow into new soil areas to obtain the necessary Zn. This process is inhibited by cool wet conditions often found early in the growing season, resulting in Zn deficiency. Fertilizers containing Phosphorus, Zinc and Sulfur composited in one granule are commercially available. In this study a composite fertilizer, MESZ (12-40-0-10S-1Zn, Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC, Riverview, FL) was compared to a mixture of di-ammonium phosphate (18-46-0) and zinc sulfate (0-0-0-20S-40Zn) for the ability to produce uniform distributions of P and Zn in soil and plant tissue. In a small plot evaluation multiple soil and plant tissue samples were systematically collected from each plot and analyzed for P and Zn content. The average and standard deviation for each plot was determined and statistical compared. Plots treated with the composite fertilizer were found to have lower standard deviation than those treated with the mixed fertilizers.