Fertilizer Application Effects on Grain and Storage Root Nutrient Concentration

Abstract

T he nutritional value of edible plant products can be improved or bio-fortified by genetic and agronomic means (Bouis, 2003;White and Broadley, 2005;Cakmak, 2008). Crop species can vary greatly for grain nutrient concentration as with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes having 25 to 56 mg kg -1 Fe and 20 to 39 mg kg -1 Zn (Morgounov et al., 2007). Some crop varieties have been developed for increased nutrient availability including increased Fe, Zn, or vitamin A in rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat, maize (Zea mays L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and cassava (Manihot esculenta L.) (Bouis et al., 2000;Bouis, 2003). The success of biofortification through genetic improvement ultimately depends on sufficient nutrient in soil solution, although efficiency in the allocation of plant nutrients to grain or storage roots can be a biofortification mechanism.Management practices, including fertilizer use, can affect nutrient concentrations (Cakmak, 2008). Fertilizer application may increase plant concentration for the nutrients applied such as for Se in maize (Chilimba et al., 2012) and wheat (Lyons et al., 2004), B in rice (Rehman et al., 2014), and Zn in wheat Cakmak (2008).The means of applying the nutrient can be important to biofortification. Rengel and Crowley (1999) reported the greatest efficiency with soil application of Zn and Cu, foliar application of Fe, and by adding I in irrigation water. Meena et al. (2017) reported greater biofortification for Zn and Fe with foliar compared with soil application, whereas Imran and Rehim (2016) reported success with both soil and foliar application of Zn, but the greatest bio-fortification with a combination of soil and foliar application of Zn. Biofortification of rice with B was achieved with soil application and seed treatment, but foliar application was most effective (Rehman et al., 2014).Application of N alone or together with Fe or Zn increased bio-fortification for these nutrients in wheat (Aciksoz et al., 2011). Application of P to pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.

Nitrogen Fixation and Nutritional Yield of Cowpea-Amaranth Intercrop

“…Cowpea had more micronutrients (Fe and Zn) at 25% NPK fertiliser application level compared to amaranth that increased at the recommended 100% NPK rate. The behaviour of cowpea agrees with the assumption that legumes have the ability of more nutrient bioaccumulation when compared to non-legumes [48], such as observed in this study. Higher mineral element concentrations in sole cropping is in line with the theory that non-legumes and legumes show capabilities of acquiring Fe and Zn in an environment with minimal competition from companion plants such as in sole stands relative to intercrops.…”

Tillage, sole and intercrop systems and soil amendment influence on sorghum grain and stover nutrient levels

“…Taylor et al [11] reported that malnutrition in Burkina Faso was related to inadequate food consumption, lack of dietary diversity and the consequent low intake of essential nutrients. Previous research reported recommended dietary concentrations for humans and cattle [12][13][14] and average sorghum grain nutrient concentrations for Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Tanzania [15], and for South Africa [16]. Location and year [15], genotype [16][17][18], fertilizer application [17] and water stress [18] have been shown to influence grain nutrient concentrations.…”

“…Previous research reported recommended dietary concentrations for humans and cattle [12][13][14] and average sorghum grain nutrient concentrations for Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Tanzania [15], and for South Africa [16]. Location and year [15], genotype [16][17][18], fertilizer application [17] and water stress [18] have been shown to influence grain nutrient concentrations.…”

Pearl Millet Grain and Stover Nutrient Concentrations as Influenced by Tillage, Cropping System and Soil Amendment

“…Current recommended dietary allowances have been published by the National Academy of Science (2019a; 2019b). Average pearl millet grain nutrient concentrations for West Afeica (van Duivenbooden, 1992), Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Tanzania (Wortmann et al, 2018), the United States (Kering and Broderick (2018), and worldwide (Kumar et al, 2018) have been published.…”

“…Location (Wortmann et al, 2018), cropping system (Sharma and Gupta, 2002), genotype (Abdalla et al, 1998;Zerbini and Thomas, 2003), bio-fortification, and P and Zn fertilization (Singh et al, 2017) have been shown to influence grain nutrient concentrations. Buerkert et al (1998) indicated that the emphasis on increasing pearl millet grain yield with applications of fertilizer macronutrients may lead to micronutrient deficiencies, especially for Fe and Zn.…”