The primary reason for zinc deficiency in Indian soils, particularly in intensive agriculture areas, is the continuous and imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers without adequate replenishment of micronutrients like zinc. High-yielding crop varieties, commonly used in intensive farming, extract large amounts of nutrients from the soil, leading to gradual depletion. Moreover, the over-reliance on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers, while neglecting micronutrient supplementation, has significantly reduced the natural zinc content in the soil. This problem is further exacerbated in alkaline and calcareous soils, which are common in many parts of India, where zinc becomes less available to plants. The widespread deficiency of organic matter due to reduced use of compost and green manure also affects zinc availability. As a result, crop productivity and nutritional quality suffer, highlighting the need for balanced fertilization and integrated soil nutrient management practices.

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