Zinc in Soils and Crop Nutrition

This book contributes significantly to better understanding of the complexities of zinc dynamics in soil and plant systems. It contains very valuable basic and practical information for a wide audience, including students, agronomists and scientists who are involved in research, extension or education in soil science, plant mineral nutrition, plant physiology or human nutrition. Detailed information is provided on the prevalence and diagnosis of zinc defi ciency problems for a number of countries and crop plants.Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient but Zinc deficiency appears to be the most widespread and frequent micronutrient deficiency problem in crops worldwide particularly in countries such as India, China, Pakistan and Turkey where soils are low in available Zn, and cereals are the major source of calorie intake. It is, therefore, highly important to develop cost-effective and quick solutions to the Zn deficiency problem. A basic knowledge of the dynamics of Zn in soils, understanding of the uptake and transport of Zn in plant systems and characterizing the response of plants to Zn deficiency are essential steps in achieving sustainable solutions to the problem of Zn deficiency in plants and humans. This publication is available as a pdf and as a hardcopy.