: Selenium levels in wheat vary 3–10× according to soil Se

Summary

This paper by Lyons and colleagues, published in Plant and Soil in 2005, demonstrates that selenium concentrations in wheat grain vary substantially — by a factor of 3 to 10 — in direct response to differences in soil selenium availability. The findings underscore the importance of soil geochemistry as a primary driver of crop mineral composition, with implications for dietary selenium intake in populations reliant on locally grown cereals. The work likely draws on field-based data across contrasting soil types or regions, contributing to the evidence base for agronomic biofortification strategies.

UK applicability

The findings are highly relevant to the UK, where soils are generally low in plant-available selenium and wheat grain selenium concentrations are consequently among the lowest in Europe; this study supports the rationale for selenium fertilisation programmes or biofortification to address dietary deficiency in the UK population.

Key measures

Grain selenium concentration (mg/kg or µg/kg); soil selenium concentration (mg/kg); selenium uptake ratio

Outcomes reported

The study examined the relationship between soil selenium concentrations and selenium accumulation in wheat grain, reporting a 3–10-fold variation in grain selenium content attributable to differences in soil selenium status. It likely assessed multiple soil types or geographic regions to characterise this relationship.

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