microman

Here is an update on my zinc/ sulfuric acid project. I purchased 5 gallon containers of battery acid and pour it carefully over the 55 lb. zinc ingot. I did this outside. There was an immediatly reaction which lasted longer than a day. Heat and fumes were noted. After 5 days, the disolved material was similar to crushed ice. I scooped this slush and placed into a bucket of water, which then went into suspension. Only 1/8 inch was removed from the ingot, which is 2 inches thick, estimated. I'll need to add more sulfuric acid. I used only 55 pounds, and it appears more than 82 pounds of acid will be required. Perhaps the 82 pounds suggestion, was a stronger acid. I don't know the percent sulfuric acid in the battery acid. When I added the slush to calcium chloride, the liquid turned white and thicker. I'll have to stir more to determine if that solution will stay in suspension. Would zinc/sulfuric acid/ calcium chloride combination form a product that would become less available to plants? Thanks for the help. I need to begin seeding chickpeas tomorrow and will have to return to this project later.

I started this project to make 9% Zinc for foliar spraying. The commercial 9% was too expensive per pound of actual zinc. The soil applied zinc sulfate is cheaper and a more practical way to go, unless one needs to correct for a plant deficiency quickly, then foliar is quick and requires less product. Perhaps a powdered zinc, or zinc sulfate could be used for foliar spraying. I'm getting a quote on its price I obtained 1 quart of sulfuric acid and poured over the ingot, and let it sit in the solution. Crystals formed and obvious disolving has taken place. I still don't know how many gallons of sulfuric acid would be required to disolve 55 pounds of pure zinc. The co-op is locating and pricing sulfuric acid at this time, and foliar spraying may still happen, but later. As for copper, in past years, I used a micronutrient mix, and when the tanks were emptied, the copper flakes were noticable. I don't think the copper was readily available to the plant. I'm making colloidal copper, which should enter the plant easier. Later

HI, There is a shortage of inoculant for chickpeas this year, and I'll be seeding next week. I have one bag of inoculant, which I'd like to grow more from. The type is Rhizobium spp. for chickpea. I have growing other bacterias and fungi using molasses, water and air bubblers. I read it was difficult to reproduce this variety, for a reason that I didn't understand. What procedures would be recommended, to increase my supply. Thank you. I am in a hurry, and appologize for not taking the time to read more of the forum, if this has been covered.

I need to correct a zinc deficiency on 1,700 acres. The field soil tests indicate Zinc at .41 PPM, and recommends 5-8 pounds/acre of zinc sulfate, to be applied. Zinc sulfate is typically 35% Zinc. That would require 1.75 pounds of actual per acre. That is almost 3,000 pounds of Zinc. I neglected to price bulk zinc sulfate, and will do so today. Foliar feeding would require less zinc, 1 quart/acre of 9% Zinc, or 0.23 pounds of actual. That requires 425 pounds of pure Zinc for 1,700 acres, if my math is correct. 1 quart of 9% costs $4.50, or $19.56/pound of pure Zinc, for a cost $7,650/ 1,700 acres. The 9 ingots, weighing 55 pounds each, cost $694. Possible $7,000 savings. I under estimated the effort to convert the solid zinc into a colloidal solution. Today, I am considering purchasing zinc sulfate granular from the Co-op for this seaon's needs, as I need to begin planting in 2 weeks. I can work on the ingots for next season. Still, I'll obtain sulfuric acid today to do a test.

Thanks, I didn't think of that. I'll work outside.

Thanks everyone. You have been very helpful. If you have any other ideas, I'll check back later. I understand the concept and am aware there are health hazards working with the acid, from reading articles from google. Thanks again.

I have pumps and tanks, but I'd have to rig an agitator. Maybe one of the pumps would do the job, depending on the chemical rating of the pump, which I'll look into.

I did remember there was a hazard when mixing acid and water. I was hoping you'd mention the "acid into water" part. I'll obtain a small amount of acid and do a test. If it works well, then I will obtain barrels of acid to pour over the ingots. A soil analysis source book tates zinc-sulfate fertilizer as typically 35 percent zinc. I will guess I'll need 2 parts sulfuric acid to one part zinc. 55 pound ingot might require 110 pounds of acid. Maybe 11 gallons of acid. I now notice "copper sulfate" fertilizer, so the sulfuric acid may have the same results at disolving the copper metal. Thank you

I have a supply of sulfur granular fertilizer, but that probably won't do what sulfuric acid would. I hesitate to start working with sulfuric acid, without some guidance. I'll research google for more info on this, until more detailed information is offered. Perhaps using DC current and either vinegar or sulfur, would work together. I know adding minerals to the water will accelerate the current flow, but will result in larger particles of zinc/gold/silver. Still, the quickest may be sulfuric acid. Thanks for the lead.

I'll definitely not use the vinegar/zinc solution as a foliar spray, as the vinegar is a non-selective plant killer. If applied to the soil, the vinegar would be safe and would be useful to free up calcium at the same time.

I'm not joking. The zinc ingot cost $1.35/lb. Whereas, 10% zinc in a water solution, costs $20/lb. I'll try the vinegar. How much vinegar would you guess it would require and how much time? If I applied the solution to the soil, there would be less concern of plant damage. I'll have to read about "anion of the acid " that you mentioned, as that term is unfamiliar to me. Thanks What about the copper?

I am attempting to disolve a 45 pound zinc ingot into water, looking for a 10% zinc solution. I am using DC current to make a colloidal zinc solution and find the process too slow. What could be used/added to speed the process. I am attempting to do the same with copper metal rods. The end products will be used as plant micronutrients. I have available calcium chloride, boron, urea, sulfur, ammonium sulfate, potassium carbonate and vinigar. Would any of these help? Thank You