Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

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

Lionel Jordan‐Meille, Jonathan E. Holland, S. P. McGrath, M. J. Glendining, Cathy L. Thomas, Stephan M. Haefele

European Journal of Agronomy · 2021

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Summary

This field study investigates how edaphic factors—specifically soil pH and phosphorus availability—influence the mineral composition of grain in three commonly grown cereal crops. By measuring grain mineral content across soil chemistry gradients, the research addresses whether agronomic management of soil fertility can be leveraged to modulate grain nutrient density, a question relevant to both crop productivity and potential nutritional outcomes.

UK applicability

Given the study's focus on barley, oat and wheat grown on UK soils under typical conditions, the findings are likely directly applicable to UK arable farming practice and soil management decisions. Results may inform strategies for optimising grain nutrient density through soil pH and phosphorus management on UK farms.

Key measures

Grain mineral composition (specific elements not confirmed without abstract); soil pH gradient; soil available phosphorus gradient

Outcomes reported

The study examined how soil pH and available soil phosphorus affect the mineral composition (likely including phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and other micronutrients) of grain in three cereal species: barley, oat and wheat. Mineral concentrations were measured across soil nutrient and pH gradients to determine relationships between soil conditions and grain nutrient density.

Theme
Nutrition & health
Subject
Crop nutrient density & mineral composition
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United Kingdom
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.1016/j.eja.2021.126281
Catalogue ID
MGmos88nj4-kj6d7e

Topic tags

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