Enhancing micronutrient bioavailability in wheat grain through organic fertilizer substitution

Summary

This multi-site field trial evaluated the impact of substituting 15% and 30% of chemical nitrogen fertiliser with organic fertiliser on wheat grain micronutrient content and bioavailability at five locations in Shandong Province, China, over the 2021–2022 growing season. The study found that organic fertiliser substitution treatments were associated with significant increases in grain iron concentrations relative to the control, with the 15% substitution level also producing the highest average wheat yield (9.58 Mg/ha). The findings suggest that partial organic fertiliser substitution can improve the nutritional quality of wheat grain without compromising, and potentially enhancing, crop productivity, though regional variation in response was observed.

UK applicability

This study was conducted in the intensive winter wheat systems of Shandong Province, China, and its specific findings may not translate directly to UK conditions given differences in soil types, baseline fertility, climate, and organic input regulations. However, the principle that partial organic fertiliser substitution may enhance grain micronutrient density is broadly relevant to UK arable policy discussions around sustainable intensification, nutrient management planning, and improving the nutritional quality of UK-grown cereals.

Key measures

Grain micronutrient concentration (mg/kg); estimated micronutrient bioavailability; wheat yield (Mg/ha); soil micronutrient availability

Outcomes reported

The study measured the effects of partial organic fertiliser substitution for chemical nitrogen on wheat grain micronutrient concentrations (including iron, zinc, and likely copper and manganese) and their estimated bioavailability across five field sites in Shandong Province, China. Wheat yield, soil micronutrient availability, and grain phytate content or related bioavailability indicators were likely also assessed.

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