Abstract
Thermoplastic matrix controlled-release (C.R.) zinc fertilizers were compared as zinc sources for linseed (Linum usitatissimum) grown on a zinc-deficient sand and a zinc-deficient clay. C.R. formulations differed in characteristics including origin (different extruders), type of zinc salt, and polymer matrix blends. Conventional fertilization with pure zinc salts was also included in the comparison. C.R. formulations based on zinc oxide (ZnO) were ineffective zinc sources, linseed growth and tissue zinc concentrations being similar to untreated controls. However, both zinc sulphate (ZnSO·HO)- and zinc chloride (ZnCl)-based formulations were effective zinc fertilizers. A group of ZnSO·HO-based formulations produced in Melbourne (Australia) gave relatively higher plant zinc concentrations than similar formulations produced on a different extruder in Akron (U.S.A.). Varying the type of plastic or the blend of plastics constituting the matrices of the C.R. products had no consistent effects on tissue zinc concentrations or plant growth. Similarly, no specific benefit of C.R. over conventional zinc fertilization was established under the conditions of the present experiments.
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