Widespread zinc deficiency in coffee in India

Zinc deficiency in coffee has been commonly observed in almost all the coffee growing tracts of South India. Foliar sprays of zinc sulphate at 0.25 concentration have overcome the deficiency and normal healthy leaves are seen to appear from the affected points. Trials to compare the foliar spray of zinc sulphate as applied to the soil have clearly brought out the efficiency of foliar spray of zinc sulphate which is found to be most economical. These trials have also shown that no toxicity symptoms to the soil. Coffee in India appears to be tolerant to frequent sprays of zinc sulphate at 0.25 without any adverse effects