Determining the Effect of Zinc Fortification on Growth, Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Irrigated Condition

Abstract

The present study propose to explore the possibility of agronomic biofortification for enhancing the Zn content of wheat through ferti-fortification of wheat crops with Zn at appropriate dose and time during its growth. The productivity and nutritional value of wheat, as well as human health, are seriously hampered by zinc (Zn) deficiency in soil. A popular technological remedy for the issue is Zn fertilisation to increase its uptake in grains. Accordingly, the present field study was undertaken to assess the impacts of different Zn fertilization on growth, yield and economics returns of wheat at Regional Research Sub Center NARP, Saini, Kaushambi, UP during Rabi season of 2020-21. Five Zn treatments (control, 5 kg zinc/ha, 7 kg zinc/ha, 10 kg zinc/ha and 5 kg zinc/ha+2 two foliar spray @5%of Zn So4 at tillering and before flowering) were taken in randomized complete block design with three replication. Results showed that relative effectiveness of different Zn fertilization was varied for the crop attributes studied. Soil + foliar fertilization was superior in increasing grain yield (9.88% over the control). Moreover, for an optimum balance among all the tested attributes including Plant height, crop dry weight, yield attributes, yield, HI and returns and Zn content in grain were significantly higher under soil fertilization combined with foliar Zn fertilization (T5) over other treatments. The findings of this study can serve as guidelines for high-quality, sustainable wheat production, which will aid in the fight against malnutrition.