Mineral contents of bran and kernel of rice grains as affected by fertilization

H M A J Herath,C M N R Chandrasekara,D G N G Wijesinghe,U Pulenthiraj,G A P Chandrasekara

doi:10.4038/tar.v30i1.8281

H M A J Herath, C M N R Chandrasekara + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v30i1.8281

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Abstract

Application of inorganic fertilizers may incorporate minerals into rice grains. Distribution of minerals in rice grains vary in bran and kernel. The aim of the present study was to compare mineral contents (MCs) of bran and kernels of selected newly improved rice varieties in Sri Lanka with and without fertilizer applications. Twenty rice varieties were tested. Rice bran and rice kernels were analyzed for Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Calcium contents of brans and kernels ranged from 952 to 1605 mg/kg and 613 to 1107 mg/kg dry matter in fertilized varieties, respectively. High MCs were observed in fertilizer applied varieties. Higher MCs were found in the bran of rice grains. The MCs of rice grains were significantly different among the varieties and affected by fertilizer application and processing. Applications of inorganic fertilizers strengthened the MCs of rice kernels and bran.

Highlights

Cereals are the edible grains of Gramineae family
Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn contents of the brans and the kernels of rice varieties grown with fertilizers were higher than those of corresponding rice varieties grown without fertilizers
The kernels of rice grains with red pericarp grown with fertilizers had Ca contents ranging from 613 to 1107 mg/kg

Summary

Introduction

Cereals are the edible grains of Gramineae family. There are a variety of cereals including rice, wheat, rye, oats, barley, maize, millet and sorghum. Rice is the staple food for more than half of the worlds’ population being the second most leading cereal next to wheat worldwide (Anjum et al, 2007). Minerals are essential nutrients for human growth and development. They play a vital role in the effective functioning of the human systems. Calcium and Mg are known as major minerals which require >100 mg/day for the body functions. Zinc and Mn are known as trace minerals which require

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