Zinc sulfate (36% Zn) is priced at $600–$900 per ton in spring 2026. At typical agronomic rates of 1–2 lbs Zn/acre, broadcast zinc application costs $0.83–$2.50/acre. Chelated zinc foliar products run $4–$10/acre per application. Zinc is the most commonly deficient micronutrient in corn production east of the Missouri River.
Current Signal: HOLD
Year-over-year change: +5–8%
| Market / Region | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Zinc sulfate (36% Zn) | $600 – $900/ton |
| EDTA zinc chelate | $2,200 – $3,000/ton |
| 1 lb Zn/acre (ZnSO4) | $0.83 – $1.25/acre |
| Foliar chelated zinc (2 qt/acre) | $4 – $10/acre |
Zinc sulfate is produced as a co-product of zinc smelting. Global zinc mine production and smelter capacity determine supply. Zinc prices in 2026 have been stable, keeping zinc sulfate fertilizer prices moderate.
EDTA-chelated zinc and DTPA-chelated zinc foliar products cost 4–8× more per pound of zinc than zinc sulfate but offer 2–5× greater plant availability. For correcting severe in-season deficiency, foliar chelated zinc is cost-effective; for building soil reserves, zinc sulfate is preferred.
DTPA soil test zinc below 0.5 ppm consistently shows economic corn yield response to zinc application. Sandy soils, high pH soils (above 7.2), heavily eroded knolls, and newly tiled ground are the highest-risk areas.
A broadcast application of 5–10 lbs Zn/acre builds soil reserves that last 3–5 years. The low per-acre annual equivalent cost ($0.60–$1.50/acre/year amortized) makes zinc a high-ROI micronutrient investment on deficient acres.
Zinc sulfate (36% Zn) is $600–$900/ton in spring 2026. Chelated zinc products are $2,200–$3,000/ton.
Corn requires approximately 0.5 lbs Zn/acre per 100 bu/acre yield goal. A 200 bu/acre crop removes ~1 lb Zn/acre. On deficient soils (DTPA Zn < 0.5 ppm), broadcast rates of 1–3 lbs Zn/acre generate consistent yield response.
For pre-plant or at-plant soil application, zinc sulfate or chelated zinc blended into starter liquid is effective. For broadcast, granular zinc sulfate provides the most economical soil-building program. For in-season correction of visible deficiency, foliar chelated zinc works fastest.
A 5–10 lb Zn/acre broadcast application typically builds soil reserves adequate for 3–5 crop years. Subsequent maintenance applications of 1–2 lbs Zn/acre every 3–4 years sustain adequate levels on most soils.
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