Micronutrient Management Research Articles

Optimizing Sorghum Yield and Quality: A Study on the Role of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrient Management Strategies

This study assessed the impact of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and micronutrients on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) productivity in four locations viz., Palampur, Srinagar, Mandya, and Ayodhya during Kharif 2020-2021. Twelve treatments, combining PGRs and micronutrients, were evaluated. The best treatment (T10), applying 5 kg Zn and 2 kg B per hectare with a triacontanol (10 ppm) foliar spray at 30 days after sowing, resulted in the highest green fodder yield (493.2 q/ha), dry matter yield (125.6 q/ha), and crude protein yield (10.80 q/ha). It also improved the leaf-stem ratio (0.63), ADF (42.34%), and NDF (63.03%). Economic analysis showed a gross return of Rs. 130,208/ha, net return of Rs. 81,717/ha, and B:C ratio of 2.56. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing sorghum productivity in semi-arid regions through integrated nutrient management, improving both food security and farmer incomes in challenging agricultural environments.

Understanding the Impact of Zinc and Boron Applications on Growth and Yield Attributes in Potato

Research examines the impact of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the growth, and yield of potato plants. The screen house experiment used four treatments: T1 (Control), T2 (Zn 5g/L), T3 (B 2g/L), and T4 (Zn 5g/L + B 2g/L). Growth characteristics were evaluated, such as the emergence percentage, plant vigor, number of stem /meter2, plant height, and stem diameter. In addition, essential yield metrics such as number of tubers, tuber weight (g), dry matter content, and specific gravity were also assessed. The findings indicated that concurrent administration of T4 had a substantial positive impact on the plant's vitality, height, stem thickness, and stem density per square meter compared to the control group. This suggests a cooperative influence of these micronutrients on the growth of plant structures. However, in terms of yield qualities, the use of Zn alone T2 led to the greatest tuber weight, dry matter content, and specific gravity. Showing that Zn plays a crucial role in maximizing tuber growth and quality. The treatment T4 enhanced yield parameters compared to the control, but it did not exceed the effects of either Zn or B individually in T2 and T3. This emphasizes the intricate interaction between these nutrients. However, when it comes to maximizing yield attributes in potato cultivation, using Zn alone may be more successful. The results indicate that customizing the management of micronutrients could optimize the growth and output of potatoes, hence enhancing agricultural productivity. Additional research is advised to investigate the most effective dosages and combinations

Harmonizing Agriculture: Nurturing Soil through Micronutrients Management and Texture Dynamics

The present review delves into the essential aspect of micronutrient management and soil texture dynamics in agriculture thus emphasizing their pivotal roles in sustaining soil health and optimizing crop productivity. Micronutrients, though required in trace amounts are critical for various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Micronutrient deficiencies can profoundly impact plant growth and yield, necessitating effective management strategies such as soil amendments, foliar applications, and balanced fertilization practices. Additionally, the paper explores the potential of soil microbes to enhance micronutrient availability. Soil testing emerges as a crucial tool for monitoring nutrient levels and guiding nutrient application decisions. Furthermore, soil texture dynamics significantly influence nutrient availability, highlighting the importance of soil composition and structure. Conservation tillage practices, crop rotation, and the use of micronutrient fertilizers are discussed as means to promote soil health and optimize nutrient profiles. Overall, the paper underscores the importance of integrating micronutrient management and texture dynamics for harmonizing agriculture, ensuring sustainable soil health, and fostering increased crop yields.

Impact of Micro-nutrients on Growth and Development of Fodder Crops under Water Stress Condition: A Review

This article delves into the critical significance of micronutrients specifically in fodder crop production, highlighting their profound impact on crop growth, yield, quality, and sustainable farming practices. Despite being required in trace amounts, micronutrients are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock, as they serve as vital components of the forage consumed by animals. Micronutrients act as indispensable cofactors for enzymes involved in crucial metabolic processes essential for plant health and subsequent livestock nutrition. They play a pivotal role in enhancing fodder crop yield and improving its nutritional content, thus directly contributing to the overall health and productivity of livestock populations. Furthermore, proper management of micronutrients in fodder crop production is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Sustainable farming practices that prioritize micronutrient balance not only optimize crop yields but also promote soil health and environmental sustainability. This research aims to address the complex challenges of ensuring livestock health, meeting global food demands, and promoting responsible agricultural practices within animal agriculture. In conclusion, the role of micronutrients in fodder crop production is paramount for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock, as well as supporting sustainable farming practices. Recognizing the significance of micronutrients in fodder crop production and implementing tailored management strategies are essential steps toward achieving livestock health, sustainable farming practices, and ultimately, food security in the context of animal agriculture. .

Yield sustainability through micronutrient management in Guava

A field study conducted with soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and borax at different phenological stages of guava cv. Shewta in sandy loam soil, revealed that highest sustainable yield index (0.80) was recorded with two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval, followed by 0.63 with three sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax before flowering, fruit set and during fruit growth. Highest TSS (13.13°Brix), acidity (0.652%) and ascorbic acid (262.21 mg/100 g) was recorded in two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax at fruit growth in one month interval. Significant differences in Zn and B content in guava fruit pulp was recorded. It was noted that Guava fruit pulp had Zn content of 13.7 mg kg-1 in control tree fruits while 14.6 to 16.5 mg kg-1 in treated trees. Moreover, guava fruit pulp enriched with B (14.3 to 17.3 mg kg-1) in treated tree fruits as compared to 12.4 mg kg-1 in control trees. Micronutrient contents in leaf tissues showed significant difference in Zn and B concentration, whereas, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were statistically non-significant. The index suggested for attaining the sustainability and to economize the nutrient application, technology package consisting of two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 and 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval should be adopted at growers’ field.

Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth Indices of Chickpea under Soybean-Chickpea System in Vertisol of Central India

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Regional Station, Bhopal to evaluate the residual effect of the fertilizer with organic manure on the growth indices of chickpea in soybean-chickpea system in Vertisol of central India. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design comprising two levels of farm yard manure (5 t FYM ha-1 or No FYM) in the main plots and six micronutrient management levels (control, 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + zinc solubilizer, ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 kg ha-1 soil application + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1, and ammonium molybdate (AM) 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 30 and 60 days after sowing) in sub-plots with three replications. The results revealed that the application of 5 t FYM ha-1 resulted in significantly higher values of plant height, dry matter accumulation, branches plant-1, leaf area index, leaf area duration, absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate than no application of FYM. Furthermore, ammonium molybdate (AM) at 1 kg ha-1 as a basal application with 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 significantly improved all the growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), branches plant-1, leaf area index, leaf area duration, absolute growth rate, crop growth rate, and relative growth rate over the control, 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + zinc solubilizer. However, it was statistically on par with the AM 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 + 25 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 and AM 1 g kg-1 seed treatment + 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 with respect to all growth parameters. Thus, the application of farmyard manure 5 t ha-1 with AM at 1 kg ha-1 as a basal application with 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 could be used to sustain chickpea production and maintain soil fertility. The results highlight the importance of using plant nutrients from various sources and methods of application for realizing high chickpea productivity.

Performance of Integrated Nutrient Management and Foliar Spray of Micronutrients on Growth, Yield Attribute and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during two rabi seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-23 at Students’ Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology Kanpur, (U.P.) The experiment was caried out in SPD (Split Plot Design) with fifteen treatment combination were replication thrice. fifteen treatment treatments combination consisted of three organic manure + RDF nutrient source (Control (100% RDF), 100 % RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha, and 100 % RDF + FYM @ 5t/ha) put under main plot and five foliar spray of micronutrient control (No spray),Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages, Foliar spray of Nano Zinc @ 0.5% at tillering and booting stages, Foliar spray of FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages and M5- Foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages) allotted under sub plot. The study on yield attribute and yield of wheat. The result showed that the maximum increase growth parameters, yield attribute and yield of wheat viz plant height (cm), number of tillers/m2, and leaf area index and number of grain/spike, number spike/m2, total grain weight spike (g) and test weight (1000 grain weight) (g) and grain yield (t/ha) and straw yield (t/ha) recorded significantly higher with F2- 100 % RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5t/ha treatments. Among the sub plot, M5- foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25% at tillering and booting stages produced significantly maximum highest grain yield (5.95 t/ha) and straw yield (7.94 t/ha)

Enhancing patient care: Ethical considerations for micronutrient management in hospital nutrition settings

Micronutrients are represented by vitamins and minerals and are present in a wide variety of foods. Each of these nutrients performs specific functions that are essential for the health of our cells and their harmonious functioning. Data suggest that many people have an inadequate daily intake of micronutrients, even when nutritious food is more easily available. It has since been established that the complex, integrated immune system needs multiple specific micronutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, E, B6, and B12, folate, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, which play vital, often synergistic roles at every stage of the immune response.

Patient experiences with micronutrient and overall nutrition management after bariatric surgery: identifying facilitators and barriers to implementing care.

Adherence to perioperative guideline recommendations for prophylactic supplementation and regular biochemical monitoring is suboptimal. However, little is known about the patient perspective on this postoperative challenge. To qualitatively explore patient experiences of postoperative micronutrient management and identify patient-reported barriers and facilitators to the provision of nutrition care. Two tertiary public hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 participants 12 months after bariatric surgery. Inductive analysis of interview transcripts was performed using applied thematic analysis, and deductive analysis was performed by aligning interview themes against the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Capability, Motivation, and Opportunity Behavior Change Wheel Framework. Participants' perceptions of engagement with the bariatric surgery multidisciplinary team greatly influenced their experience with overall nutrition care, including but not exclusive to micronutrient care. At times, this engagement negatively impacted patients' experiences with their nutrition care and related to varied acceptance of healthcare advice from the team or, at times, an unmet desire for person-centered communication styles. Engaging person-centered care techniques had a positive influence on patient experience with micronutrient and overall nutrition care. Micronutrient management (taking supplements and having regular blood tests) was broadly accepted and enabled by the presence of established medication and blood test routines preoperatively. However, challenges did exist and were practical in nature. Incorporating education on habit-forming techniques was identified as a facilitator to assist with micronutrient management. Although participants mostly accept embedding micronutrient management into their life, developing interventions that focus on habit-forming skills and that enable multidisciplinary teams to provide person-centered care is recommended to enhance care after surgery.

Dietitian-led micronutrient management in a public bariatric surgery outpatient clinic.

This study aimed to explore the multidisciplinary team attitudes and knowledge of bariatric surgery micronutrient management (pre- and postoperative care) and to evaluate the implementation of an extended-scope of practice dietitian-led model of care for micronutrient monitoring and management. A mixed method study design included quantitative evaluation of micronutrient testing practices and deficiency rates. Qualitative reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret multidisciplinary experience with micronutrient monitoring in a traditional and dietitian-led model of care. In addition, deductive analysis used normalisation process theory mapping of multidisciplinary experience with the implementation of the dietitian-led model of care. In the traditional model, a lack of quality evidence to guide micronutrient management, and a tension in trust between surgeons and patients related to adherence to micronutrient prescriptions were described as challenges in current practice. The dietitian-led model was seen to overcome some of these challenges, increasing collaborative, and coordinated, consistent and personalised patient care that led to increased testing for and detection of micronutrient deficiencies. Barriers to sustainability of the dietitian-led model included a lack of workforce succession planning, and no clearly defined delegation for some aspects of care. An extended scope dietitian-led model of care for micronutrient management after bariatric surgery improves clinical care. Challenges such as succession planning must be considered in design of extended scope services.

Effect of zinc and iron management with different level of nitrogen on growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under aerobic condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 at Bhujabala, Rayagada (Odisha) and at the farmer's field, Lephripara, Sundargarh (Odisha) during kharif 2020, to study the effect of zinc and iron management on yield and yield attributes of aerobic rice with different level nitrogen fertilizer management. Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block-Design, treatments consisted of three levels of nitrogen management viz. N1-80 kg N ha-1, N2- 60 kg N ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 and N3- 40 kg N ha-1 + 10 t FYM ha-1 and six micronutrient management, viz., M1 - Control, M2 - 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar, M3 - 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar, M4 - 0.3% zinc sulphate as seed priming, M5 - 0.3% ferrous sulphate as seed priming, and M6 - 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar + 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar. Results revealed that the application of 80 kg N ha-1, and 60 kg N ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 recorded maximum growth parameters like plant height, number of tillers m-2, dry matter accumulation and leaf area index; higher yield attributes like number panicle m-2, number of filled grains panicles-1, fertility percentage and test weight. Combined application of 60 kg N ha-1 + 5 t FYM ha-1 recorded the maximum grain and straw yields. Results also showed that foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar + 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar exhibited higher growth parameters, yield attributes, grain and straw yield during the two years of experiment.

Metal Micronutrient and Silicon Concentration Effects on Growth and Susceptibility to Pythium Root Rot for Hydroponic Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of increasing metal micronutrient concentrations and silicon (Si) concentrations on plant growth and susceptibility to Pythium root rot with hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In the first experiment, lettuce was grown in hydroponic solutions with metal micronutrients iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) supplied at either 0, 2.5, 5, or 10 mg∙L−1. A standard commercial hydroponic solution was also included as a control, with metal micronutrients supplied at 2 Fe, 1 Mn, 0.5 Cu, and 0.5 Zn mg∙L−1. In the second experiment, hydroponic lettuce was grown with Si at 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 mg∙L−1. Hydroponic treatment solutions for both experiments were either dosed with Pythium myriotylum (Pythium treatment) at 1.80 × 104 oospores per L or deionized water as a non-Pythium control. Data were collected on leaf SPAD chlorophyll content, shoot height and width, total plant fresh mass, and root disease severity. Increasing the Cu concentration in solution decreased Pythium disease severity but reduced lettuce growth and yield. Increasing the concentration of the other metal micronutrients also tended to reduce lettuce growth but had no significant influence on root disease. Supplementing the hydroponic solution with Si had no effect on Pythium root disease severity and slightly decreased lettuce growth at 56 mg∙L−1 Si. Results of this study suggest that the management of micronutrients and Si nutrition is not an effective strategy and, at best, a risky strategy for controlling Pythium in hydroponic lettuce. Growers would likely benefit from maintaining metal micronutrient and Si concentrations within the ranges of (in mg∙L−1) 0.5 to 5.5 for Fe, 0.1 to 2.0 for Mn, 0.1 to 0.6 for Cu, 0.1 to 0.6 for Zn, and 0 to 28 for Si for many hydroponic crops. Supplementing Si has the potential to negatively influence plant growth and quality for certain plant species, and testing is necessary to evaluate phytotoxicity risks prior to implementing in commercial practice. Overall, successful mitigation of root rot pathogens in commercial hydroponic production requires the combination of proper sanitation, best management and cultural practices, appropriate hydroponic system design, and the implementation of a water treatment system with proper design and a multi-barrier approach.

Modeling and mapping the spatial variability of soil micronutrients in the Tigris basin

BackgroundCrop production is negatively impacted by excess and lack of soil micronutrients. Due to anthropogenic and natural factors, soil micronutrients vary greatly in space, necessitating time- and money-consuming large-scale sampling. Therefore, modeling their spatial distributions and forecasting in non-sampled areas are essential for high crop production. MethodsIn this study, regional variations in soil micronutrient content of the Upper Tigris Basin were modeled to produce local change maps for the development of site-specific nutrient management systems. The concentrations of extractable zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in soil samples taken at 388 different sites between 0 and 20 cm deep were determined. Using variogram and kriging analyses, the spatial distribution of the micro element concentrations was modeled and mapped in a GIS environment. ResultsThe micronutrients demonstrated significant variability with a high coefficient of variation (CV > 35%). It was found that the spatial dependence of the samples ranged from low for Fe and Cu to high for Zn and Mn. The spatial distribution of soil micronutrients was influenced by soil texture in addition to distance. Overall, the results demonstrated that the management of site-specific micronutrients may be aided by the integration of geostatistics and GIS, which is particularly beneficial in terms of effective management of the lands and the optimal use of inputs. ConclusionOverall, the findings showed that the integration of geostatistics and GIS may be helpful in the management of site-specific micronutrients, which is especially advantageous in terms of efficient management of the lands and the best use of inputs.

Residual Effect of Nitrogen and Micronutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Transplanted Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The field experiment was conducted during winter seasons (rabi) of October, 2019 to March, 2020 at Bhujabala, Rayagada in Odisha and October, 2020 to March, 2021 in the farmer’s field, Lephripara, Sundargarh in Odisha, India. The objective of the study was to find out residual effect of nitrogen and micronutrient managements applied in preceding rice crop on the growth and yield of transplanted mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design, treatments consist of three levels of nutrient management viz.; 80 kg N ha-1, 60 kg N ha-1+5 t FYM ha-1 and 40 kg N ha-1+10 t FYM ha-1 and six micronutrient managements, viz., Control, 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar, 0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar, 0.3% zinc sulphate as seed priming, 0.3% ferrous sulphate as seed priming, and 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar+0.5% ferrous sulphate as foliar. Results revealed that among different levels of nitrogen management, application of 60 kg N ha-1+5 t FYM ha-1 perceived maximum growth parameters and yield attributes. Among micronutrient managements, most of the cases residual effect of foliar spraying of 0.5% zinc sulphate recorded better results in respect of growth parameters and yield attributes. Among micronutrient managements, foliar application of 0.5% ferrous sulphate (M3) perceived highest seed and stover yield during both the years of experiment. The combined application of 60 kg N ha-1+5 t FYM ha-1 (N2) along 0.5% zinc sulphate as foliar spray (M2) exhibited higher growth parameters.

Developing regional soil micronutrient management strategies through ensemble learning based digital soil mapping

Mapping of soil micronutrient variability is critical for improving agronomic biofortification. This study used 1778 surface soil samples collected from four agro-climatic regions of the Indo-Gangetic Plain of India to produce digital soil maps of available Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn using 52 environmental covariates at a resolution of 150 m. The micronutrient prediction accuracy was compared for 14 machine learning approaches and their ensemble model. The hybrid ensemble model outperformed all 14 base learners and was subsequently used for producing micronutrient maps. All four micronutrients exhibited sufficient spatial variability. Both available Zn and Fe maps exhibited lower prediction uncertainties. Moreover, the inter-relationship between micronutrient concentration in soil and rice grain was explored to understand the Zn and Fe biofortification potential. The linear regression models revealed moderate agreement between soil available and grain micronutrient concentrations, with R2 values of 0.52–0.63 for Zn and Fe, respectively. The developed models were used to predict grain Zn and Fe content from their respective soil concentrations, indicating the potential of the tested approach to identify specific pockets where rice varieties with biofortification potential can be planted. In the future, the digital soil mapping approach tested herein can help policymakers with regional decision-making, encouraging nutrient-based subsidy and investment opportunities and sustainable micronutrient recommendations toward micronutrient-enriched food. Further research is needed to develop a digital soil intelligence platform using micronutrient DSM products in resource-poor countries.

The Efficacy of Micronutrient Fertilizers on the Yield Formulation and Quality of Wheat Grains

Under the changing climatic conditions, one of the most pressing issues in wheat production is the improvement of the yield quality, the lack of which has a negative impact on animal and human health. More than 25% of the world’s population are affected by micronutrient deficiencies in food products, a problem which is known as hidden hunger. Thus, effective micronutrient management is crucial for improving both the quantity and quality of wheat production by increasing the plant’s ability to tolerate various environmental stresses and diseases. In this review, previous works were assessed to investigate the significance of micronutrient fertilizers and their interaction effects on the wheat grain yield and quality, including high-quality and nutritionally rich products. The application of micronutrients mixed with macronutrients significantly increases plant growth, physiological traits, yield components, the grain yield, and the quality traits. Among the types of applications, the foliar application of nutrients is very profitable due to its efficiency in terms of economics, ecology, and the qualitative and quantitative yield. In short, in-depth studies are needed to determine the best concentrations, forms, and times of application of micro-fertilizers to the wheat field and to mitigate the challenges of the increasing wheat demand due to steadily rising world population growth and reducing the rates of nutritional deficiency.

Interactive effect of land use systems on depth-wise soil properties and micronutrients minerals in North-Western, India

Micronutrients play a vital role in improving growth and performance of different crops. Management of soil micronutrients for better crop production needs sound understanding of their status and causes of variability. Therefore, in order to evaluate the changes in soil properties and micronutrient contents of soils, an experiment was conducted with soil samples from six soil depths i.e. 0-10, 10–20, 20–40,40-60, 60–80 and 80–100 cm of four prominent land-use systems viz. forest, horticulture, crop land and barren land. Amongst these, the maximum contents of OC (0.36%), clay (19.4%), DTPA-Zn (1.14 mg kg−1), Fe (11.78 mg kg−1), Mn (5.37 mg kg−1), Cu (0.85 mg kg−1) and Ni (1.44 mg kg_1) were observed in soils of forest land use system followed by horticulture, crop land and barren land, respectively. Also, soils of forest landpossessed 29.5, 21.3, 58.4, 51.8 and 44.0% higher DTPA-Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and Ni as compared to crop land use system. Interactive influence of land use systems and soil depths on distribution of DTPA extractable micronutrients was found to be positive with maximum content at 0–10 cm depth of forest land use and lowest at 80–100 cm of barren land use system, respectively. Correlation analysis explicit positive and significant relationship of OC with DTPA Zn (r = 0.81), Fe (r = 0.79), Mn (r = 0.77), Cu (r = 0.84) andNi (r = 0.80), whereas the correlation results among DTPA micronutrients indicated the highest positivecorrelation of Ni with Cu (r = 0.95) and Mn (r = 0.93) followed by Fe with Zn (r = 0.93). Therefore, inclusion of forest and horticulture land use in crop lands or shift of land use from forest based to crop land resulted in renewal of degraded soil which could be beneficial for enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Assessment of Micronutrient Content and Strategies for Improvement of Micronutrient Status in the Soils of Bhandara Tehsil, Maharashtra, India

The study was undertaken to determine the available micro-nutrient status of the Bhandara tehsil of Maharashtra with the help of GPS-based one hundred-and-five soil samples during the period of 2021-2022 from paddy growing fields. Samples were analyzed at the Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The results revealed that soils were clay loam to sandy clay loam in texture. The study area was slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and non-saline in reaction. The mean values of 0.42 mg kg-1, 5.44 mg kg-1, 6.39 mg kg-1, 0.98 mg kg-1, and 0.90 mg kg-1 for Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B respectively, were recorded. The soil nutrient index values showed that available Zn was low; available Fe was moderate; available Mn and B were moderately high; and available Cu was high. The farmers of the study area mostly adopt improper nutrient management practices which might have resulted in poor fertility status in the area. Taking these things into consideration, a data-driven Decision Support System (DSS) on micronutrient management in soil has been given. To address this problem, farmers of Bhandara tehsil may use micronutrient fertilizers or implement soil management practices that promote the uptake and availability of micronutrients to plants.

Carbon dioxide enrichment effects on concentration, partitioning and uptake of metallic micronutrient elements in soybean under varied nitrogen application rates

Information on the fate of micronutrients in plant tissue and total uptake from soil upon exposure to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) is meager. Hence, this field study was conducted in open top field chambers to investigate the effects of elevated CO2 and applied nitrogen (N) on partitioning and uptake of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in soybean crop under two CO2 and four N levels during 2016 and 2018 crop seasons. The two CO2 concentrations were ambient and elevated (∼550 µmol mol−1). Nitrogen treatments included application at 0, 50, 100, and 150% of the recommended dose. Significant effects of CO2 and N were observed on grain yield, biomass and uptake of the four micronutrients. Seed Fe concentration was significantly increased by 12% under CO2 enrichment. Tukey’s post-hoc test revealed significantly higher grain yield, biomass and uptake of micronutrients in seed and straw under CO2 elevation and at higher N application. Uptake of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn increased by 53, 42, 36, and 41%, respectively, in seed and by 25, 26, 31, and 18% in straw under elevated CO2. Total uptake of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn increased by 39, 38, 34, and 29%, respectively. Nitrogen at 100% level enhanced uptake of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn by 25, 20, 32, and 28%. The study bears implications in micronutrient management for sustaining soil health under changing climate.

Update on the management of vitamins and minerals in cystic fibrosis.

Advancements in respiratory and nutrition management have significantly improved the survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). With the availability of several nutrition interventions such as oral/enteral nutrition supplements, enteric‐coated pancreatic enzymes, and water‐miscible CF‐specific vitamin supplements, frank vitamin deficiencies—with the exception of vitamin D—are rarely encountered in current clinical practice. Whereas they were previously considered as micronutrients, our current understanding of fat‐soluble vitamins and minerals as antioxidants, immunomodulators, and disease biomarkers has been evolving. The impact of highly effective modulators on the micronutrient status of patients with CF remains elusive. This narrative review focuses on the updates on the management of fat‐soluble vitamins and other micronutrients in CF in the current era and identifies the gaps in our knowledge.