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Potassium enhanced grain zinc accumulation in wheat grown on a calcareous saline-sodic soil
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) dense wheat grains are required for malnourished populations groups. Nutrient and water imbalances under calcareous saline-sodic soils decrease mineral accumulation in wheat grains. On such soils, the influence of soil potassium (K) application was studied on the accumulation of native soil and foliar-applied minerals (Zn, Fe,) in wheat grains. To field-grown wheat, two K rates were applied (0 or 35 kg ha−1) at sowing in combination with four levels of foliar micronutrient sprays (control, 2×0.25% Zn w/v, 2×0.25% Fe w/v or combined Zn + Fe) at anthesis. Zinc and Fe were increased with respective micronutrient sprays. Potassium application increased grain yield, grain concentration of K and Zn in the grain. Grain Zn concentration was maximum (33 mg Zn kg−1) with combined soil-applied K + foliar-applied Zn. As compared to respective foliar treatments in plots not supplied with K, grain Fe concentration was increased with soil K application in plots sprayed with Zn alone. Conclusively, optimum soil K supply increased accumulation of native soil and foliar-applied Zn in wheat grains.
