Summary
This field trial conducted in Ethiopian farmers' fields over two seasons demonstrates that soil application of zinc and iron sulphate fertilisers can increase finger millet grain zinc concentration by approximately 18–21% and iron concentration by 17.8–21.4%, with effects modulated by variety and location but not slope position. The findings suggest agronomic biofortification of finger millet is a feasible agronomic intervention to enhance dietary micronutrient intake in rural populations, provided fertiliser access and bioavailability of the enhanced minerals are assured.
Regional applicability
Finger millet is not a staple cereal in the United Kingdom and agronomic biofortification practices are more commonly applied to wheat and barley. However, the methodological approach and soil-applied micronutrient strategy may have relevance for UK cereal crop fortification programmes or for informing technical assistance in other regions.
Key measures
Grain zinc (Zn) concentration (%), grain iron (Fe) concentration (%), treatment effects (FeSO₄, ZnSO₄, NPKS combinations), variety effects, location effects, slope position effects
Outcomes reported
The study measured grain zinc and iron concentrations in finger millet varieties under different soil-applied fertiliser treatments across two Ethiopian locations and slope positions. It reported the magnitude of micronutrient enhancement and identified variety, location, and fertiliser treatment interactions affecting grain mineral concentration.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.