Impact of biofortification with iron (fe) micronutrient on maize fodder in semi-arid region of Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Abstract

Enrichment of maize fodder with iron (Fe) is gaining importance, as Fe deficient fodders grown on light textured. A two-year field investigation was undertaken to enrich the Fe content in fodder maize through biofortification. Replicated experiment was conducted in calcareous soil with Fe content of 5.60 mg kg−1. The treatments consisted of foliar spray of 0.5 and 1.0% iron sulfate (FeSO4) which were done with internal of at 30, 45 days after sowing (DAS) respectively with control treatment. The results of investigation revealed that the foliar spray of Fe @ 1.0% FeSO4 at 30 and 45 days (T7) showed significant effect on the growth parameters viz. plant height, leaf area index, green fodder, dry matter yield and Fe uptake through biofortification. The final results showed that the fodder maize which recorded maximum Fe uptake (enrichment) to the tune of 4.17 and 2.76 kg ha−1 in seasons I and II, respectively with Fe @ 1.0% FeSO4 at 30 and 45 days (T7) followed by Fe @ 0.5% FeSO4 at 30 and 45 days (T4) with Fe uptake as 3.90 and 2.44 kg ha−1 in seasons I and II, respectively. Our results reported that under treatment with 1.0% foliar FeSO4 at 45 days after sowing (T7), the green fodder yield was obtained as 56.20 and 52.13 tonnes ha−1 in season I and II respectively. Application of foliar spray of FeSO4 (T7) is important for significantly enhancing Fe uptake and yield of fodder maize which would lead to improved animal health and production.