Summary
This paper, published in Plant and Soil, provides a review of agronomic zinc fertilisation as a strategy to address widespread zinc deficiency in human populations, particularly in regions dependent on cereal-based diets. Authored by Cakmak and colleagues — a leading research group in plant mineral nutrition and biofortification — it likely discusses soil zinc availability, fertiliser application methods, and the translocation of zinc into edible crop portions. The paper situates agronomic biofortification within the broader context of global micronutrient malnutrition and sustainable food systems.
UK applicability
While zinc deficiency is less acute in the UK than in lower-income countries, the findings are relevant to UK arable production in the context of soil zinc depletion, crop quality standards, and the growing interest in nutrient-dense food systems. UK farmers and policymakers considering soil health and human nutrition co-benefits from fertilisation practice may find the agronomic principles directly applicable.
Key measures
Grain zinc concentration (mg/kg); zinc fertiliser application rates; estimated impact on dietary zinc intake
Outcomes reported
The paper examines how zinc fertilisation of crops can increase grain zinc concentrations and contribute to alleviating zinc deficiency in human populations. It likely reports on agronomic biofortification approaches across multiple crop systems and regions.
Topic tags
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