Agronomic bio-fortification of zinc on growth, yield and economics of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2024 at the Agricultural Research Station, Hagari, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, to study the effect of agronomic biofortification of zinc in grain sorghum. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and ten treatments comprising different levels of soil and foliar applications of zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). The results revealed that the treatment receiving 20 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ as a basal application along with foliar sprays of ZnSO₄ @ 0.5% each at 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher grain yield (3586 kg ha⁻¹), gross returns (₹1,48,480 ha⁻¹), net returns (₹99,953 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (3.06). The study concluded that the combined application of 20 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ as basal + foliar sprays of ZnSO₄ @ 0.5% at 30 and 45 DAS is the most effective treatment for enhancing grain yield and economic returns in sorghum through agronomic biofortification.