Implication of Zn fertilizer application on Zn biofortification in bajra (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and its interaction with other micro-nutrients

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during kharif 2017 to survey the impact of Zn fertilizer application on the biofortification of bajra variety ICMV-221 and the interaction of Zn with other micronutrients in plant and soil. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. ZnSO4. 7H2O and Zn EDTA was applied @ 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1 before sowing. The result revealed that Zn content in all plant parts of bajra increased significantly with increase in the Zn fertilizer dose recording maximum at 20 kg ha-1 Zn EDTA application which was a 37% increase in the grain Zn content over control and highest grain yield of 4153 kg ha-1 was observed. As observed from plant and soil nutrient status, Zn showed antagonistic effect on Fe, Cu and Mn at higher doses.