Zinc is an important micronutrient for plant health, supporting enzyme activity, hormone production, protein synthesis, and early root growth. When soils lack sufficient zinc, crop yields can decline.
Traditionally, chelated zinc in starter fertilizers uses synthetic agents like EDTA or EDDHA to keep zinc available to plants. These chelating agents surround the zinc molecule and prevent it from becoming bound to other soil components. However, these synthetic chelates can persist in the soil for years and may tie up other nutrients such as phosphorus.
Farmers First Zinc EPC offers a different approach with peptide-enhanced chelation. Instead of using synthetic chemicals, Zinc EPC employs chains of amino acids—peptides—to protect the zinc. This method is designed for use with highly acidic phosphate fertilizers such as Farmers First Inhabit P and provides more stable chelation with a slower release rate.
A comparison between traditional chelated zinc and Zinc EPC shows that while both deliver plant-available zinc at critical times for crops, there are differences in their behavior in soil. Traditional chelates have moderate nutrient tie-up and remain in the soil for years; Zinc EPC has low or no nutrient tie-up and persists only for months. Additionally, once peptides release the zinc, they serve as additional nutrient sources for plants or microbes without causing future nutrient lockup.
The typical use rate for traditional chelated zinc is 2 pints per acre at a cost of $6.00 per acre (as of January 2026), while Zinc EPC requires only 1 pint per acre at $3.54 per acre.
Both products aim to support early-season crop development by making zinc available when young plants need it most. The company states: “While traditional EDTA chelates have long been the industry standard, Farmers First Zinc EPC represents a smarter evolution for your fields.”
“By leveraging peptide chelation, you’re not just getting a more stable, slow-release zinc source; you’re investing in a product that eliminates nutrient tie-up, integrates seamlessly with acidic phosphate fertilizers like Farmers First Inhabit P, and actually leaves behind beneficial nutrients for soil microbes,” according to Farmer’s Business Network.
Zinc EPC is offered under the FARMERS FIRST brand as Zinc EPC 2-0-0 and Nourish Zn formulations through FBN Direct products and services distributed by FBN Inputs, LLC. Prices vary depending on formulation size and payment method.
The company advises users to follow all label directions when applying these products and notes that availability depends on state registration status. Purchasers should confirm compatibility with their crops and local regulations before use.
FBN Direct’s offerings are subject to change without notice; terms and conditions apply.
