Micronutrient fertilizer programs cost $15–$60 per acre in 2026, depending on the suite of nutrients applied. Zinc is the most commonly deficient and most commonly applied micronutrient in grain production. A complete micronutrient program (zinc + boron + manganese) for corn on deficient soils runs $25–$45/acre.
Current Signal: HOLD
Year-over-year change: +5–12%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Zinc sulfate (36%) — broadcast | $1.20 – $2.70/acre |
| Chelated zinc — foliar | $4 – $8/acre |
| Full Zn + B + Mn program | $15 – $30/acre |
| With starter micronutrient bundle | $8 – $15/acre add-on |
Zinc sulfate (36% Zn) is the primary zinc fertilizer. At $600–$800/ton, a maintenance rate of 1–2 lbs Zn/acre costs $1.20–$2.70/acre for dry application or $4–$8/acre for chelated zinc foliar products.
Chelated micronutrients (EDTA, DTPA chelates) have 2–5× higher plant availability per pound of nutrient but cost 4–8× more per pound of product. Foliar chelated programs run $15–$30/acre per application.
University guidelines typically recommend micronutrient applications only when soil test levels fall below threshold (e.g., DTPA zinc < 0.5 ppm). Applying on adequate soils wastes input budget. Soil testing for micronutrients adds $30–$60/sample to the agronomic program.
Many retailers offer micronutrient blends added to starter fertilizer systems — zinc + boron + manganese at seeding. These bundled products run $8–$15/acre added to starter cost.
Zinc is the most commonly deficient micronutrient in corn, followed by manganese (high-pH soils), boron (sandy soils), and iron (calcareous soils). Soil testing is the only reliable way to identify deficiency.
A basic zinc program costs $1.20–$8/acre. A comprehensive Zn + B + Mn + Fe program runs $15–$45/acre depending on rates and product forms chosen.
Not necessarily. Zinc at 1–2 lbs Zn/acre broadcast every 3–4 years is adequate on many soils. Annual foliar applications are appropriate when soil reserves are depleted or when crop removal consistently exceeds soil supply.
University research shows 5–15 bu/acre corn yield response on zinc-deficient soils. At $4.50/bu corn, a 10 bu response generates $45/acre — well above the $5–$20/acre zinc cost on deficient soils. No response on adequate soils.
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