Two studies were conducted to determine corn response to zinc; one a field study and the other a greenhouse study. The objective of the field study was to find responses to Zn fertilizers within fields and define the soil characteristics in responsive areas. The objective of the greenhouse study was to determine if different corn hybrids respond differently to Zn fertilization. The field study was conducted at a total of eight sites over two years. Treatments were 0 and 5.6 kg Zn ha−1 applied to long strips of corn and replicated 4 times. Zinc was applied five cm to the side and five cm below the seeds during planting at each site. Multiple soil series were identified at each site and treatment pairs were located within them. Soil samples were analyzed for Zn, phosphorus, potassium, organic matter and pH. Plant (V6 to V10 growth stage) and grain samples were analyzed for Zn content and uptake. Yields were also measured. The main soil characteristic that determined corn response to Zn in this study was soil test Zn concentration. At some sites, corn grain yield decreased when Zn was applied to soils that contained high amounts of Zn. At other sites, plant Zn concentrations and uptake increased when Zn was applied to soils that contained low amounts of soil Zn although corn grain yields were not affected. The four corn hybrids grown in the greenhouse experiment had different parents and therefore were genetically unique. Sand was used as a growing medium to insure precise and accurate nutrient levels. The Zn rate was 0.02 mg Zn per application and a total of 0.7 mg Zn was applied throughout an entire experiment. Young corn plants at growth stages between V4-V8 were analyzed for Zn concentration, dry matter production, and Zn uptake. There were significant differences in plant Zn concentration, dry matter production, and plant Zn uptake among the hybrids due to the treatments (P>F<0.01). These data confirm that corn hybrids vary in their Zn uptake characteristics.