Field Evaluation of Sulphatic Zn, Fe and Cu Fertilizers on Grain Nutrient Composition and Quality Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Wheat serves as a cornerstone of India’s agricultural economy and nutritional security, forming a vital component of both rural livelihoods and national food supply. To enhance its nutritional and qualitative attributes, a field study was conducted during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 rabi seasons to assess the influence of individual and combined applications of sulphatic zinc, iron, and copper fertilizers on the grain nutrient composition and quality parameters of two wheat cultivars (DBW-222 and HD-2967). The study revealed significant varietal and treatment differences across all parameters. DBW-222 consistently outperformed HD-2967 in zinc (29.60 mg kg⁻¹), iron (47.35 mg kg⁻¹), copper (2.22 mg kg⁻¹), crude protein (14.58%), wet gluten (29.40%), dry gluten (10.50%), sedimentation value (61.58 mL), and ash content (1.90%) at pooled analysis. Among nutrient management treatments, the combined soil application of Zn + Fe + Cu (T8) and the combined foliar application (T9) produced the highest enrichment in grain micronutrient content and quality traits. Zinc concentration reached 30.26 mg kg⁻¹ in T8, while iron and copper contents were highest under T9 (48.54 mg kg⁻¹ and 2.67 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) at pooled. Enhanced nutrient accumulation under combined applications was attributed to synergistic effects on root uptake, translocation and enzymatic activation. Quality parameters also improved markedly under T8 and T9, with higher crude protein, gluten fractions, sedimentation values, and ash content. Falling number, an indicator of starch integrity, was highest under T9 (445 seconds at pooled), confirming better enzymatic stability. Overall, integrated application of sulphatic Zn, Fe, and Cu fertilizers—particularly through combined soil and foliar routes, significantly enhanced grain micronutrient concentration and processing quality. The results revealed the importance of balanced micronutrient management in achieving nutritionally rich and high-quality wheat production.