Zinc Deficiency in Indian Soils: Causes, Symptoms & Solutions
Published on: 2026-05-12 | Author: Neeraj Kedia, Managing Director | Read time: 5 min read
India faces a significant challenge with zinc-deficient soils. Studies indicate that approximately 49% of Indian soils are deficient in zinc, making it the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in the country. This directly impacts food security, crop quality, and farmer livelihoods.
Causes of Zinc Deficiency
- High pH soils (alkaline and calcareous soils) reduce zinc availability.
- Continuous cropping without micronutrient replenishment depletes soil zinc.
- Excessive phosphorus fertilization interferes with zinc uptake.
- Sandy soils with low organic matter have poor zinc retention.
- Waterlogged conditions (common in rice paddies) reduce zinc solubility.
Identifying Zinc Deficiency in Crops
Visual symptoms include interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins), stunted growth, small leaves, delayed maturity, and poor grain formation. In rice, a condition called 'khaira disease', characterized by dusty brown spots on leaves, is a classic sign of zinc deficiency.
Solutions: Zinc Sulphate Application
The most effective and economical solution is the application of Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate at 25 kg per hectare as a basal dose. For standing crops showing deficiency symptoms, foliar application of 0.5% Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate solution provides quick correction within 7 to 10 days.
Trusted Supply from Chakradhar Chemicals
How do you correct zinc deficiency?
The most effective and economical correction is a soil application of about 25 kg of Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate per hectare, applied as a basal dose and mixed into the soil before sowing. For a standing crop that already shows deficiency symptoms, a foliar spray of a 0.5% Zinc Sulphate solution provides quick correction, typically within 7 to 10 days. Because zinc applied to the soil carries over across seasons, a well planned programme reduces how often you need to reapply and lowers the cost of correction over time.
Which grade works best for correction?
For soil correction, Zinc Sulphate Monohydrate is preferred because its 33% or 35.5% zinc content delivers more zinc per kilogram, so less material is needed for the same result. Its granular form spreads evenly as a basal dose. For fast foliar correction on a growing crop, Zinc Sulphate Heptahydrate at 21% or 22% zinc dissolves quickly and sprays easily, making it well suited to a 0.5% foliar solution.
How can you prevent it coming back?
Prevention starts with a soil test so you apply zinc only where it is needed and at the right rate. Replenishing micronutrients during continuous cropping, maintaining organic matter in sandy soils, and avoiding excessive phosphorus application all help keep zinc available to the crop. On high pH, alkaline and calcareous soils, where zinc is most often locked up, regular monitoring and a maintenance dose of Zinc Sulphate keep levels stable season after season.
Since 1990, Chakradhar Chemicals has been supplying high-purity Zinc Sulphate to agricultural regions across India. Our products meet FCO (Fertilizer Control Order) specifications and are trusted by micronutrient formulators, state agricultural departments, and farmers nationwide.