Zinc–nitrogen interaction effect on wheat biofortification and nutrient use efficiency

Abstract

Background: The enhancement of zinc (Zn) concentration in cereal crops without compromising yield is a global challenge with crucial health and food security implications. Aims: To achieve Zn biofortification in wheat through the appropriate management of fertilization with both Zn and nitrogen (N), due to the synergistic effect between them, using natural organic sources of Zn. Methods: We carried out a field experiment using a rainfed winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop fertilized with four Zn sources (Zn‐sulphate, Zn‐lignosulphonate, Zn‐amino acids and Zn‐gluconate) and three N application rates under semi‐arid conditions. Results: The strategy of increasing the N rate by 50% with respect to the recommended N rate (i.e., 120 kg N ha−1) did not improve either wheat yield or grain Zn‐N concentration. The combined effect of applying natural organic Zn complexes and the recommended N rate tended to increase grain Zn concentrations (by an average of 14%), although this increase was significantly higher when Zn‐sulphate was applied (63%) due to its higher recommended Zn application rate. Natural organic Zn fertilizers achieved the highest grain yields, probably due to the enhancement of N uptake. The natural organic Zn fertilizers resulted in higher Zn utilization efficiency compared with the Zn‐sulphate fertilizer. Conclusions: In calcareous Zn‐deficient soils, our results suggest that Zn–N co‐fertilization involving Zn‐sulphate combined with the recommended N application rate would be advisable for obtaining grain Zn biofortification, while the highest yields can be obtained with the application of natural organic Zn fertilizers.

Agronomic Biofortification with Se, Zn, and Fe: An Effective Strategy to Enhance Crop Nutritional Quality and Stress Defense—A Review

“…It is well-known that the plant's N status is an important factor influencing increased levels of Zn and Fe in vegetative tissue. A strong correlation between Zn and Fe grain concentration and urea application was found for wheat (Montoya et al 2020) and chickpea (Pal et al 2019). The foliar application of zinc sulfate in conjunction with urea significantly increased not only Zn uptake but also the total N uptake and the efficiency of urea N fertilization.…”

“…The presence of S-rich proteins is important for Zn storage in the endosperm and suggests a synergy of Zn accumulation due to S application. However, Montoya et al (2020) suggested that the application of Zn in an organic form enhanced grain yield more than inorganic form (i.e., zinc sulfate), especially with recommended N rate. Márquez-Quiroz et al (2015) indicated that application of complexes of Fe (Fe-EDDTA) is a more effective way to enhance the level of Fe in cowpea bean seed compared to an inorganic form.…”

Agronomic biofortification of rice and wheat with zinc: A metanalytical study

“…Its deficiency affects mainly women and children (Who, 2002). It can interfere in growth and cause diarrhea and pneumonia in children under five, contributing significantly to the increase in infant mortality worldwide (Stein et al, 2005), mainly where the diet is based on cereals (Montoya et al, 2020).…”

“…On the other hand, malnutrition mainly affects countries in which cereals are part of the essential diet (Montoya et al, 2020) and represents a humanitarian challenge (Rashid et al, 2019), as cereal grains have minimal concentrations of Zn in the grains when grown on Zn-deficient soils (Zaman et al, 2018). In this context, numerous studies indicate the possibility of raising nutrient concentrations and ensure a high yield using agronomic fortification (AB) (Souza et al, 2014).…”

Effect of Processing on Some Quality Parameters of Flour and Bread Made from Wheat Grain Biofortified with Zn and Se

“…In order to achieve an adequate intake, set to about 55-70 µg Se day −1 by Elmadfa et al [8] and 12-15 mg Zn day −1 by the National Research Council [9], agronomic biofortification with Se and Zn has proven to be a fast, reliable, and sustainable strategy in the short term. The success of this strategy is based on different constraints such as: (1) minerals being carried out on soils with low Se and/or Zn bioavailability, such as those found in the semi-arid Mediterranean area [10]; (2) using fertilizers containing the necessary nutrients in soluble forms, such as zinc sulfate [11] or sodium selenate [12,13]; and (3) treatments being carried out on staple crops [14], such as wheat [15]. However, greater efforts should still be made to achieve the Zero Hunger goal, established by the Agenda of the United Nations by 2030.…”