Zinc deficiencies continue to be reported in Arkansas rice fields as more rice has been flooded for a couple of weeks.

If you have bronzing of the lower leaves and a bright yellow midrib, that’s a great indicator of a zinc problem.

The recommended correction for this problem is to immediately drain the flood. There’s rarely a situation that allows you to avoid draining, you just have to do it.

Once new leaf and root growth occurs, apply 1 pound of zinc per acre.  A few days later apply 100 pounds of ammonium sulfate and reflood.

Zinc deficiency in rice. (Photo: University of Arkansas)

Yes, you absolutely need 1 pound of zinc per acre of a chelated zinc.

If the product contains 10 percent zinc, you need 1 gallon per acre of that product.

Don’t let anyone talk you into a reduced rate or a different type of product.

If you have any doubts about the zinc deficiency (sometimes it's less obvious) or feel something else may also be in play, send plants off for tissue analysis.

Proper diagnostic analysis involves sending in a sample that looks deficient as well as a sample from a good area of the field. This allows for comparison of values within the field as opposed to comparing strictly to textbook values that may not be as representative of your crop in its current stage and situation.