The grain mineral composition of barley, oat and wheat on soils with pH and soil phosphorus gradients

Summary

This field trial investigates the relationship between soil properties—specifically pH and phosphorus availability—and the mineral composition of grain from three important cereal species. The work addresses whether and how soil management practices that alter pH or P status might influence the nutritional quality of harvested grain, as suggested by the experimental design spanning gradients in both variables.

UK applicability

The study was conducted in the United Kingdom and directly reflects UK soil and climatic conditions. The findings are immediately relevant to UK arable farming practice and inform how soil phosphorus management and pH adjustment strategies might influence grain nutrient density for both feed and food use.

Key measures

Grain mineral concentrations (likely including P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn and other elements) in barley, oat and wheat grown on soils with controlled pH and phosphorus gradients

Outcomes reported

The study examined how soil pH and available phosphorus levels influence the mineral composition (macro- and micronutrients) of grain from three cereal crops: barley, oat, and wheat. Grain nutrient concentrations were measured across experimental soil conditions varying in pH and soil P availability.

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