Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate - The cornerstone of Agriculture & Feed

Zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO₄·H₂O) is a vital inorganic compound with a broad range of applications across agriculture, industry, and pharmaceuticals. As a highly soluble zinc salt, it serves as an essential source of zinc, a micronutrient crucial for plant growth, animal health, and various industrial processes.

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate is divided into Powder and Granular forms, and the zinc content varies between these two forms:

-For Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate Powder. 35% of the zinc content is a conventional product.

-For Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate Granular, the particle size is also divided into 2 – 4mm and 1 – 2mm. 33% the zinc content with 2-4mm particle size is a conventional product.

Here is some information about zinc sulfate monohydrate:

Chemical Properties:

Property	Details
Chemical Formula	ZnSO₄·H₂O
CAS	7446-19-7
Molecular Weight	161.47 g/mol
Melting Point	>1000°C
Density	3.2 g/cm³
Storage Temperature	2-30°C
Solubility	Soluble in water and alcohol.
Form	Powder or Granular
Color	White
Odor	Odorless
PH	4.0-5.6 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Water Solubility	28.6 g/100 ml at 20°C
Sensitive	Hygroscopic

Production Method:

The production of zinc sulfate monohydrate relies on a chemical reaction between zinc baking sand (containing zinc oxide) and sulfuric acid. Through this reaction, a zinc sulfate solution is produced, and then the final product is obtained through crystallization and drying processes, or it can be recovered by acid leaching of zinc oxide ore, zinc hydroxide, or from industrial by-products.

Applications and Uses:

Agriculture:

Zinc sulfate monohydrate plays a vital role as an important trace element fertilizer in agriculture. Zinc is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth, and it is involved in various physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration and growth hormone synthesis, which can promote plant growth and development.

- Zinc deficiency symptoms: Zinc deficiency will lead to plant growth retardation, manifested as yellowing, dwarfing, deformation of crop leaves, etc., and even affect the yield and quality in serious cases. For example, zinc deficiency has been linked to white seedlings in corn, leaflet disease in apples, and dead leaf disease in rice.

- Improves stress tolerance: Zinc enhances the stress tolerance of plants, helping them to withstand adverse environmental conditions such as drought and cold.

- Increased crop yields: In a variety of crops, the use of zinc sulfate can significantly increase crop yields. For example, applying zinc sulfate to soybeans, corn, rice, fruit trees and other crops can effectively prevent zinc deficiency symptoms and promote healthy plant growth and high yields.

Applicable Crops and Usage:

Zinc sulfate monohydrate is particularly suitable for soybeans, corn, wheat, rice, vegetables and various fruit trees. Its application methods include:

- Foliar Spraying: Dissolve Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate in water to formulate a solution of certain concentration for spraying. A concentration of 1-2kg/ha is generally recommended for spraying to ensure adequate uptake of zinc by plants.

- Basal application: As a soil application, spread zinc sulfate evenly on the soil surface, mix it into the soil and then apply it. The general application rate is 3-5kg/mu, depending on specific soil conditions and crop requirements.

- Formulated fertilizer: Zinc sulfate is also often added to compound fertilizer, especially in areas or crops with high zinc demand, which can improve the efficiency of fertilizer use.

Industry:

Zinc sulfate monohydrate is mainly used in electroplating, rubber, paint and other industries. In the electroplating industry, it is used as an additive for electroplating solution, which can improve the uniformity, smoothness and corrosion resistance of the plated layer. In addition, it is also used to prepare zinc salts, zinc oxides and other compounds, which are widely used in the fields of rubber, pigments, paints and so on.

Pharmaceutical field:

In the pharmaceutical industry, zinc sulfate monohydrate is widely used as a zinc supplement to treat zinc deficiency. Zinc plays an important role in maintaining the immune system, promoting wound healing, and facilitating growth and development. Common indications include loss of appetite, immune deficiency, and skin disorders. It is also used in some topical medicines such as astringents and fungicides.

Feed applications:

In the feed field, zinc sulphate monohydrate, as an important zinc source additive, plays a vital role in the healthy growth of animals. Zinc is an essential trace element in the animal body and is widely involved in a number of physiological processes, especially in the immune system, skin health, bone development and appetite regulation with significant impact. Specific applications are as follows: Enhancement of immunity: Zinc helps to improve the immune function of animals and enhance their ability to resist diseases.

It promotes the production of white blood cells and supports the proper functioning of the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of infection and disease.

Promotes Bone and Skin Health: Zinc is one of the minerals essential for bone health and helps in the development and repair of bones. In addition, zinc is vital for skin health, improving skin and coat quality and reducing the incidence of skin diseases.

Improves feed conversion and growth: Zinc promotes animal growth and development, improves feed utilisation, and enhances the rate of weight gain and meat quality. Especially in poultry and livestock farming, proper zinc supplementation can improve overall productivity.

Common applications: Zinc sulphate monohydrate as a zinc source is usually added to animal feeds in the form of powder or pellets to ensure that the animal receives sufficient zinc through the feed. Commonly added amounts vary depending on the species and stage of growth, typically 50-100g of zinc per tonne of feed.

Global Markets:

Zinc sulfate monohydrate as fertilizer is seeing increasing demand globally, driven by the growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture and green industries.

Asia-Pacific (India, China): Strong demand due to agricultural modernization and refined management practices in these major agricultural countries.

North America (U.S.): Growing demand driven by advancements in agriculture and industrial sectors such as electroplating and coatings.

Europe: Increasing focus on sustainable farming practices is boosting the demand for zinc sulfate in the region.

Conclusion:

Zinc Sulfate Monohydrate (ZnSO₄·H₂O) is a key compound used in agriculture, industry, and feed. In agriculture, it enhances plant growth, stress tolerance, and yields, especially for crops like soybeans, corn, and rice. It also prevents zinc deficiency. In feed, it promotes animal growth and health.

The demand for zinc sulfate monohydrate is steadily increasing across various sectors, driven by advancements in sustainable agriculture, industrial growth, and modern farming practices. The industrial sectors such as electroplating and coatings contribute to expanding market potential also the growing demand for sustainable agriculture and industrial growth is driving its global market expansion.