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ABSTRACT
The aim of this 2-year field experiment was to investigate agronomic and economic efficiency of ground tire rubber and rubber ash as zinc (Zn) sources for wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cvs. Kavir and Back Cross) compared with a commercial zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). A similar rate of Zn was used by soil incorporation of 40 kg/ha ZnSO4, 200 kg/ha waste tire rubber ash, and 1000 kg/ha ground rubber. A no Zn added treatment was also considered as control. All Zn fertilizers significantly increased grain yield of wheat over the control, although effectiveness of rubber ash was greater than the other Zn sources. Wheat plants treated with rubber ash accumulated higher Zn in their grains compared with those treated with ground rubber and ZnSO4. Tire rubber ash had the highest agronomic and economic efficiency and contained low levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Therefore, it can be used as an economic substitution for commercial ZnSO4.