How much zinc to apply in paddy (dhan me zinc)?

Apply about 25 kg of zinc sulphate heptahydrate per hectare (or roughly 10 kg of the 33 percent monohydrate form per hectare) as basal in zinc deficient soils to prevent khaira disease in paddy. Zinc deficiency shows as brown rusty spots and stunting on lower leaves about 2 to 3 weeks after transplanting, common in puddled, high pH and lowland soils. If the crop already shows symptoms, foliar spray 0.5 percent zinc sulphate solution with a little lime, repeated at weekly intervals. Apply zinc separately from phosphatic fertiliser and based on a soil test where possible. Confirm exact dose with your soil health card and local recommendation.