Effect of Different Methods of Zn Application on Rice Growth, Yield and Nutrients Dynamics in Plant and Soil

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is widely spread in Egyptian paddy soils and has negative impact on national rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. Field experiments were conducted at the research farm of the Rice Research and Training Center, Sakha, Egypt, to evaluate the effects of different methods of Zn application on rice growth, yield of Sakha 104 and nutrients dynamics in soil and plant. The experiment included four treatments: no Zn, root soaking, foliar and soil application. The results indicated that Zn application by different methods, significantly increased number of tillers, panicles, plant height, 1000-grain weight; filled grains% and grains yield of Sakha 104. Among the different of Zn application, soil application of 15 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4.H2O caused highest increase in total N percentage, total K percentage and available Zn content in both grain and straw, however, the percentage of total P decreased significantly. Zinc content in soil after harvesting was significantly affected by Zn application. Different methods of Zn tend to increase the total N and total K contents of soil but decreased P concentration significantly.