Zinc Sulphate Dose Per Acre for Rice in Pakistan: 21%, 27% and 33%

The quick concentration comparison

The Agriculture Department Punjab has recognized 5 kg packs of zinc sulphate 21%, 3.75 kg packs of 27%, and 3 kg packs of 33% for a rice micronutrient program. Each of those packs supplies approximately one kilogram of actual zinc: 1.05 kg, 1.01 kg and 0.99 kg respectively.

These are useful nutrient-equivalence examples, not a universal prescription. Soil zinc, pH, formulation, field history and the registered label determine the appropriate rate.

• 5 kg of 21% supplies about 1.05 kg actual zinc.
• 3.75 kg of 27% supplies about 1.01 kg actual zinc.
• 3 kg of 33% supplies about 0.99 kg actual zinc.

When rice needs zinc most

Zinc deficiency in transplanted rice often appears two to three weeks after transplanting as bronzing, rusty-brown blotches, stunting and weak tillering. Farmers may call the condition Hudda or Khaira, but diagnosis should still rule out herbicide injury, root damage and other nutrient problems.

Flooding changes soil chemistry and can reduce zinc availability. High-pH, calcareous soils add another risk. A field can therefore contain zinc yet fail to supply enough to young roots. Recurring symptoms in the same patches are a strong reason to test before the next crop.

Soil application or foliar rescue?

For a confirmed deficient field, uniform soil application before or around transplanting is the preventive route. Zinc moves little in soil, so piles and missed strips cause uneven access. Follow the registered label and local extension recommendation for rate and placement.

A labelled foliar application can help an actively growing crop recover faster after symptoms appear, but it does not build the same soil reserve. Never copy a soil rate into a spray tank. Foliar concentration, water volume and compatibility must come from the foliar label.

How to choose the product

Chemicides offers Agro Gold (21% Zn), Saffaron (27% Zn) and Commander (33% Zn). Compare actual zinc delivered at the label rate, cost per treated acre, pack handling, solubility and application method. Higher concentration means less product for equivalent zinc; it does not make one option universally better.

Before purchase, confirm the label states zinc percentage, formulation, registered crop use, batch details and directions. Persistent deficiency deserves a laboratory soil test or Agriculture Department advice rather than treatment based on leaf colour alone.