Role of Integrated Nutrient Management and Agronomic Fortification of Zinc on Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Wheat

Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) are essential plant nutrients, and their deficiency in soils and the antagonistic effect of P on Zn are important concerns world-over. Thus, a two-year (2012-13 to 2013-14) experimentation was carried out to assess grain yield, nutrient uptake and quality parameters of wheat by various levels of P and Zn. The results revealed that 50% recommended dose of P (RDP) through phospho-enriched compost (PEC) + 50% RDP through fertiliser and soil application of 12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H(2)O ha(-1) + one foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4.7H(2)O recorded significantly higher grain yield (4.81 and 4.61 t ha(-1), respectively), straw yield (7.20 and 6.92 t ha(-1), respectively) and protein content (11.5% and 11.3%, respectively). The concentrations of Zn in grain (35.6%) and straw (57.3%) were not affected due to organic P application but 100% P through P fertilizer reduced the Zn content in the grains. Both soil and foliar application of Zn were found to be more promising in increasing Zn and Fe concentration in grains (37.5 and 30.9 mg kg(-1), respectively) and straw (60.3 and 398 mg kg(-1), respectively). Overall, the treatment combination of 50% RDP through PEC + 50% RDP through fertiliser and soil applied 12.5 kg ZnSO4.7H(2)O ha(-1) + one spray of 0.5% Zn was beneficial in reducing antagonistic effect of P on Zn and increasing Zn and Fe concentration in wheat grain and, thus, could be used for improving the yield of Zn and Fe enriched wheat grains.