Summary
This narrative review synthesises evidence on the role of micronutrient application in maize production, examining zinc, iron, manganese, boron, copper, and molybdenum as critical inputs for enzymatic activity, photosynthesis, and grain formation. The review evaluates multiple application strategies (soil application, foliar feeding, seed priming, fertiliser-based supplementation, integrated nutrient management) and identifies key factors influencing micronutrient responses, including soil characteristics, environmental conditions, dosage, and genotype interactions. The authors conclude that site-specific micronutrient management combined with agronomic biofortification and genetic approaches can enhance productivity whilst addressing hidden micronutrient deficiencies in human diets.
Regional applicability
The review does not specify geographic context and appears to be a global synthesis of micronutrient management principles in maize. Application to United Kingdom conditions would depend on local soil micronutrient status, climate, and maize cultivation intensity; the review's emphasis on site-specific management suggests findings are transferable to UK farming with appropriate baseline soil testing.
Key measures
Seedling establishment, root development, plant height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, photosynthetic activity, cob development, grain number, kernel weight, harvest index, grain micronutrient concentration
Outcomes reported
The review evaluates how micronutrient application (zinc, iron, manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum) affects maize growth, physiological processes, yield components, grain yield, and nutritional quality through various application methods and management strategies.
Topic tags
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