Summary
Published in Plant and Soil in 2008, this review by Gupta and Gupta examines the dual role of zinc as an essential micronutrient in both plant physiology and human health. The paper likely synthesises evidence on the extent of zinc-deficient soils globally, the impact of low soil zinc on crop production and grain zinc concentrations, and the consequent risks of dietary zinc deficiency in human populations. It probably also reviews agronomic interventions — including soil and foliar zinc fertilisation — as strategies to close the gap between soil supply and plant and human requirements.
UK applicability
Although the review is international in scope, its findings are broadly applicable to UK arable systems, where zinc deficiency has been documented in certain soil types, particularly light sandy and chalk soils; UK agronomists and policy bodies such as AHDB may find the fertilisation and biofortification recommendations relevant to improving grain micronutrient quality.
Key measures
Soil zinc concentration (mg/kg); crop zinc uptake (mg/kg dry weight); human dietary zinc intake (mg/day); zinc bioavailability; yield response to zinc fertilisation
Outcomes reported
The review likely examines the prevalence and consequences of zinc deficiency in agricultural soils and its downstream effects on crop zinc concentrations and human nutritional status. It probably covers agronomic strategies — including zinc fertilisation — for improving zinc availability in crops and addressing human dietary deficiency.
Topic tags
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