Summary
This systematic review and network meta-analysis synthesises evidence from 44 field-based studies (27 wheat, 13 rice, 4 maize) to evaluate agronomic zinc biofortification strategies for increasing grain zinc concentrations in major staple cereals. The review compared multiple zinc fertilisation approaches—soil application, foliar application, and combined soil plus foliar methods—against control groups without zinc fertilisation. The findings provide comparative evidence on the relative effectiveness of different agronomic zinc biofortification methods for addressing micronutrient deficiency in developing countries.
Regional applicability
Whilst this global systematic review includes diverse agroclimatic and soil conditions, direct applicability to United Kingdom cereal production may be limited, as UK cereals typically serve feed and industrial rather than human nutrition markets. However, the methodological framework and comparative evidence on zinc fertilisation techniques could inform domestic soil health and crop nutrient density research.
Key measures
Grain zinc concentration (primary outcome) and grain yield (secondary outcome) across different zinc fertilisation application methods
Outcomes reported
The review evaluated the effectiveness of agronomic zinc biofortification strategies (soil, foliar, and combined applications) in increasing grain zinc concentrations and yield in wheat, rice, and maize through network meta-analysis of field trials.
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