Nitrogen fertilisation affected zinc and selenium biofortification in silage maize

Abstract

Context Biofortification of forage crops has become even more important, due to the improvement in livestock nutrition, but it has also had an indirect positive impact on the human diet. Aim This study investigated the effect of nitrogen and microelement (Zn and Se) fertilisation on yield and on the microelement composition of maize (Zea mays L.) silage. Methods Two field experiments were conducted using a two-factorial split-plot design with nitrogen fertilisation in three doses: 0, 120, 180 and 240 kg N/ha. The first experiment included foliar Zn fertilisation as the second factor (0, 1.5 kg Zn/ha and 1.5 kg Zn/ha + urea solution). The second experiment studied the effect of Se (10 g Se/ha). Key results Nitrogen fertilisation increased biomass yield, Cu and Mn concentration in silage maize. Application of Se and Zn did not affect the biomass yield, but it had a positive effect on Se and Zn concentration in plants. Zn and urea application in combination proved to be more efficient in increasing Zn concentration in plants when compared to Zn applied alone. Conclusions Nitrogen and fertilisation with Zn and Se can be a good tool in fodder plant biofortification because their application led to a yield increase (Zn), but at the same time to an improvement in the mineral composition of maize biomass, with essential elements (Zn and Se). Implications Although biofortification with 1.5 kg Zn/ha has achieved the concentration in maize biomass that can meet the nutritional needs of dairy cows, further research is needed to examine the adjuvant doses and forms of Zn to obtain high yields and Zn concentration in forage crops.

RETRACTED: Interaction between zinc and selenium bio-fortification and toxic metals (loid) accumulation in food crops

“…It is noted that selenite and selenate are transported to the roots by the phosphate transport mechanism and sulfate transporters and channels, respectively (Gupta and Gupta, 2017). Se biofortification by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on Allium cepa L. had a friendly interaction to enhance the yield and quality of bulbs (Golubkina et al, 2019). Petkovićet al (2022 reported that macroelements such as nitrogen along with Zn and Se have a positive effect on the yield of silage maize (Zea mays L.).…”

“…Se biofortification by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on Allium cepa L. had a friendly interaction to enhance the yield and quality of bulbs ( Golubkina et al., 2019 ). Petković et al. (2022) reported that macroelements such as nitrogen along with Zn and Se have a positive effect on the yield of silage maize ( Zea mays L.).…”

Mineral biofortification and metal/metalloid accumulation in food crops: recent research and trends (Part III)

“…Several studies on biofortification have reported positive effects of the combined applications of N and micronutrients (see Kaur and Singh 2022). Based on field experiments, Petković et al (2022) recommended combining N applications with Zn and Se applications for increased fodder yield and improved mineral composition. In another study, both the soil application of Se-enriched urea and foliar spray of Se significantly increased Se contents in grains of common beans (Araújo et al 2022).…”

Field and in-silico analysis of harvest index variability in maize silage

“…Crop growth, phenology, and yield are also affected by genetics ( Barlow et al., 2012 ; Borreani et al., 2018 ; Gruber et al., 2018 ), environmental ( Bernardes et al., 2018 ), and management factors ( Nilahyane et al., 2020 ; Petković et al., 2022 ). For the latter, the inputs of nitrogen (N) fertiliser and water have the greatest economic and environmental impact with regards to maize production ( Petković et al., 2022 ).…”

“…Crop growth, phenology, and yield are also affected by genetics ( Barlow et al., 2012 ; Borreani et al., 2018 ; Gruber et al., 2018 ), environmental ( Bernardes et al., 2018 ), and management factors ( Nilahyane et al., 2020 ; Petković et al., 2022 ). For the latter, the inputs of nitrogen (N) fertiliser and water have the greatest economic and environmental impact with regards to maize production ( Petković et al., 2022 ). Optimal irrigation of maize crops can increase biomass partitioning to grain ( Li et al., 2020 ) and the management of irrigation and N (defined by rate and timing) can affect dry matter allocation to different parts of the plant, and, therefore, maize silage nutritive value ( Nilahyane et al., 2020 ; Zhou et al., 2021 ).…”