Zinc Oxide 39.5% SC – Uses, Dosage & Application

Zinc Oxide 39.5% SC is a suspension-concentrate (liquid) micronutrient fertilizer registered for use in India under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 (FCO) — a plant-nutrition product, not a crop-protection one. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for enzyme activity, auxin (growth hormone) synthesis and chlorophyll formation, and its deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrient problems in Punjab and North Indian soils. This liquid suspension form is highly concentrated and gives fine, uniform particle dispersion when diluted, which supports good leaf coverage in a foliar spray. Dosage guidance on this page draws on Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Package of Practices and ICAR recommendations for zinc nutrition, read alongside the product's own FCO label application rate for this liquid SC formulation.

Which Deficiency Symptom Is This For? (Symptom Guide)

Not sure whether what you're seeing in the field is zinc deficiency? This guide helps match the visible symptom to the crop before deciding on a spray.

Mode of Action

Zinc Oxide 39.5% SC supplies zinc as an ultra-fine suspension of zinc oxide particles, which disperses evenly when mixed with water, giving a large effective surface area for rapid uptake through the leaf surface once sprayed. Zinc functions as a cofactor for numerous plant enzymes, plays a central role in synthesis of the growth hormone auxin (IAA), and supports chlorophyll formation and protein synthesis; healthy zinc status is essential for normal internode elongation and leaf expansion, which is why deficiency shows up as stunted, rosetted growth. As a concentrated liquid suspension rather than a dry salt, this formulation mixes into a spray tank quickly without residue and is well suited to both foliar spray and drip fertigation use.

Features & Benefits

• High-concentration (39.5% Zn) liquid suspension that disperses evenly in the spray tank without clumping or residue.
• Corrects khaira disease in paddy, white bud in maize, little leaf in cotton and interveinal chlorosis in wheat and sugarcane.
• Fine particle size supports rapid foliar uptake and a visible greening response within days of spraying on deficient crops.
• Low dose-per-litre requirement due to high zinc concentration, reducing the volume of product needed per tank.
• Suitable for both foliar spray and drip fertigation application.
• Compatible with most common fertilizers and crop-protection products in a tank mix (a jar-compatibility test is still recommended before mixing).

Recommended Usage of Zinc Oxide 39.5% SC Fertilizer

PAU package-of-practices and ICAR recommendations for zinc correction are generally expressed for zinc sulphate as a percentage foliar-spray concentration; the table below gives this liquid SC formulation's dose per its own FCO label, expressed in millilitres per litre of water since it is a concentrated liquid suspension rather than a dry powder.

Doses above are expressed as millilitres per litre of water rather than a per-acre quantity because this is a concentrated liquid suspension dosed by spray-solution strength, in line with how PAU/ICAR and FCO product labels present chelated/liquid micronutrient rates; the cotton figure in litres/acre is an alternative high-volume-spray reference from the product's FCO label. Always confirm the current product label before use and consult your local agricultural extension office for soil-test-based recommendations.

How to Use

1. Confirm zinc deficiency symptoms against the Symptom Guide above, and where possible get a soil or tissue test done through your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to confirm zinc status.
2. Shake the container well before use, then measure the required quantity of Zinc Oxide 39.5% SC and add it to the spray tank already part-filled with water, stirring continuously before topping up to the required volume.
3. Spray using a knapsack or power sprayer fitted with a flat-fan or fine mist nozzle, ensuring uniform coverage of both leaf surfaces.
4. Spray during the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and improve leaf uptake; avoid spraying in strong sunlight or just before rain.
5. Repeat the spray at the interval given in the table above if deficiency symptoms persist in new growth.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear basic protective clothing and gloves while mixing and spraying, as a routine precaution for any agricultural input.
• Shake well before every use, since being a suspension concentrate, the zinc oxide particles can settle during storage.
• Do not exceed the recommended concentration — spraying zinc at a higher-than-labelled concentration can cause leaf scorch rather than faster correction.
• Store in the original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, food, feed and out of reach of children and livestock; protect from freezing.
• This foliar fertilizer is a supplement to, not a replacement for, balanced soil fertilization — follow your local agricultural extension advice on fitting it into your overall soil-nutrition programme.
• Wash hands, face and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling or spraying.

Brand names mentioned on this page are registered trademarks of their respective owners and are referenced here for identification purposes only; FarmMate is not affiliated with or endorsed by these brands. This page is for general information only — always consult your local agricultural extension office and confirm the current product label before use.