High available soil phosphorus levels produced by fertilization or native in the soil may induce a more severe zinc deficiency on soils low in available zinc. Zinc deficiency is much more severe in years with cold, wet springs than in years of warm, dry springs. Visual zinc deficiency symptoms differ among Crops, but characteristic symptoms can be recognized. Fields generally are not affected uniformly. Deficient areas are normally the areas where topsoil has been removed.
Zinc deficiency shows early in the growth of plants.
Young corn and sorghum plants exhibit a broad band of white to translucent tissue on both sides of the leaf midrib starting near the base of the leaf. Plants tend to be stunted due to a shortening of the internodes. Pinto beans exhibit a general stunting of the young plants. Leaves show a general yellowing of the upper foliage with a browning or bronzing of the older or lower leaves. The leaves of zinc-deficient beans typically have a crinkled appearance.