Comparative efficacy of ZnSO4 and Zn-EDTA application for fertilization of rice (<b><i>Oryza sativa</i></b>L.)

Widespread Zn deficiency for rice crop has been reported from different parts of the world, including India. To correct such deficiency, Zn is often applied to the soil as fertilizer. Its concentration in soil solution and its availability to crops is controlled by sorption – desorption reactions at the surfaces of soil colloidal materials. The objective of this study was to compare the availability and relative effectiveness of Zn from Zn-EDTA and ZnSO4 sources by applying different Zn levels to a calcareous soil in field experiments through soil application. The uses of Zn-EDTA also increase the yield of rice dry matter yield and grain yield. Regarding maintenance of Zn in soil, it has been observed that the amount of Zn content was recorded higher with the split application of Zn-EDTA as compared to ZnSO4 with the simultaneous 26.1% increase in the yield of rice. Keywords: RiceZn fertilizers (ZnSO4 and Zn-EDTA)extractable ZnZn uptakeyield