In these cases, soil or plant analysis taken from the entire field are unlikely to find the problem. Sample problem areas separately. For materials and rates to correct a deficiency, consult the cereals or soybeans sections under Micronutrients. Apply only the recommended amount of phosphorus. Use of animal manures can prevent or reduce zinc deficiency.
Erosion control can prevent deficiency of zinc by maintaining the topsoil.
Zinc deficiency can be prevented by application of zinc fertilizer to the soil. Foliar sprays can be useful to correct a deficiency after the symptoms have appeared provided this is done early in the growing season. For materials and rates to correct a deficiency, consult the corn section under Micronutrients. Zinc Soil Test Interpretation Copper soil tests are quite unreliable on Ontario soils but plant analysis is useful. Copper is unlikely to be deficient on mineral soil, except perhaps on very sandy soils.