IIL Surya Zinc - Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria Bio-Fertilizer with Zn & S for Crops

IIL Surya Zinc is a bio-fertilizer developed by Insecticides India Ltd that combines Elemental Zinc, Sulfur, and powerful Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) in one product. Unlike regular zinc fertilizers that often get locked in the soil and become unavailable to plants, Surya Zinc uses live beneficial bacteria to unlock both the applied zinc and the zinc already present in your soil. This makes it a smart, biological solution for correcting zinc deficiency in crops.

Zinc deficiency is a widespread problem in Indian soils, leading to issues like stunted growth, poor grain filling, yellowing of leaves, and diseases such as Khaira in paddy and Little Leaf in fruit trees. Surya Zinc addresses this by providing immediate zinc and sulfur nutrition while also activating the soil's natural zinc reserves. The product carries a Green Label, meaning it is non-toxic and safe for use in organic and sustainable farming systems. It is available in powder (granule) and liquid suspension formulations.

Farmers can use Surya Zinc as a basal dose during sowing or transplanting, or as a top dressing within 45 days of planting. It is suitable for a wide range of field crops, horticultural crops, and orchards. The key to getting the best results is mixing it with well-decomposed farm yard manure (FYM) or compost, which provides food for the bacteria to survive and multiply in the soil.

Key Benefits

• Corrects zinc deficiency effectively: Provides both elemental zinc and sulfur while using bacteria to unlock locked zinc from the soil, preventing issues like Khaira disease in paddy and Little Leaf in orchards.
• Improves grain and fruit quality: The sulfur component increases oil content in oilseeds and protein in grains, leading to better marketable produce.
• Boosts root growth and nutrient uptake: The bacteria release natural plant growth hormones (IAA) that stimulate longer, healthier roots for better water and nutrient absorption.
• Increases stress tolerance: Helps crops withstand abiotic stress like drought and salinity by regulating plant hormones and improving overall plant health.
• Safe for organic farming: As a microbial input with a Green Label (non-toxic), it is suitable for organic and sustainable farming practices.
• Zero pre-harvest interval: Being a bio-product, it leaves no harmful residues, allowing harvest immediately if needed.
• Unlocks soil zinc reserves: The ZSB bacteria mobilize legacy zinc already present in the soil but unavailable to plant roots, reducing your overall zinc fertilizer requirement over time.

How It Works

Surya Zinc works through a three-step biological process in the soil. First, the Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) consume organic matter (like FYM or compost) and release organic acids, such as gluconic acid. These acids lower the pH in the immediate soil zone around the bacteria, which dissolves insoluble zinc compounds (like zinc oxide) into a soluble form that plants can absorb.

Second, the bacteria produce natural chelating compounds that grab zinc ions away from soil particles, forming soluble complexes that plant roots can easily take up. This process unlocks both the zinc you apply through Surya Zinc and the zinc that is already present in your soil but was previously unavailable to crops.

Third, the bacteria release plant growth-promoting substances like Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), a natural hormone that stimulates root growth. Longer, healthier roots mean the plant can access more nutrients and water from a larger volume of soil. The elemental zinc and sulfur in the product also provide an immediate nutritional boost while the bacteria establish themselves in the soil.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Dosage & Application

Important Rule: Always mix Surya Zinc with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or compost before applying. This gives the bacteria food to survive and multiply in the soil.

For seed treatment (liquid variant): Use 5-10 ml per kg of seed mixed with jaggery water. Dry in shade before sowing.

When to Use

Apply Surya Zinc as a basal dose during sowing or transplanting for best results. This ensures the bacteria establish in the root zone early, making zinc available from the start of crop growth. For standing crops, you can apply it as a top dressing within 45 days of planting.

Apply when the soil has adequate moisture but is not waterlogged. Light irrigation after application helps the bacteria penetrate the soil and reach the root zone. The product is most effective when soil temperatures are moderate (not too hot or too cold), as the bacteria are living organisms that need favorable conditions to thrive.

Look for early signs of zinc deficiency in your crop — stunted growth, interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins), poor tillering in paddy, or small leaves in fruit trees — and apply SuryaZinc promptly to correct the deficiency.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the mixture: Take 50-100 kg of well-decomposed FYM or vermicompost per acre.
2. Mix the product: Thoroughly mix the recommended dose of SuryaZinc (powder or liquid) with the FYM/compost. For liquid, dilute in water first and then mix with the manure.
3. Broadcast evenly: Spread the mixture uniformly over the field or in furrows/ring basins as per the crop requirement.
4. Irrigate lightly: Give a light irrigation after application so the bacteria can move into the soil and reach the root zone.
5. Wear PPE: Use gloves, mask, and goggles while handling and applying the product.
6. Wash after use: Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after application.

Compatibility

Surya Zinc is generally compatible with chemical fertilizers like Urea and DAP if mixed immediately before application. However, do not leave them mixed for long periods as the chemical environment may affect bacterial survival.

Do NOT mix with chemical fungicides. Since Surya Zinc contains live bacteria, chemical fungicides will kill them. Maintain a gap of 5-7 days between applying fungicides and this product.

Always perform a small jar test if mixing with any new product for the first time.

Precautions & Safety

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) — gloves, mask, and goggles — during handling and application.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after use.
• Do NOT mix with chemical fungicides, as they will kill the live bacteria in the product.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain bacterial viability.
• Keep away from children, food, and animal feed.
• Use within the shelf life period for best results.

Side Effects & Phytotoxicity

Being a bio-fertilizer with a Green Label (non-toxic), Surya Zinc is safe for crops, beneficial soil organisms, and the environment when used as directed. No phytotoxicity has been reported with recommended doses. However, excessive application may not provide additional benefits and is not recommended.

PHI / REI & Storage

• PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval): 0 days — being a bio-product, it leaves no harmful residues.
• Shelf Life (Powder): 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Shelf Life (Liquid): Up to 2 years when stored properly.
• Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight.