Zinc Treatment Research Articles

Identification and functional analysis of cation-efflux transporter 1 from Brassica juncea L.

BackgroundBrassica juncea behaves as a moderate-level accumulator of various heavy metal ions and is frequently used for remediation. To investigate the roles of metal ion transporters in B. juncea, a cation-efflux family gene, BjCET1, was cloned and functionally characterized.ResultsBjCET1 contains 382 amino acid residues, including a signature motif of the cation diffusion facilitator protein family, six classic trans-membrane-spanning structures and a cation-efflux domain. A phylogenetic analysis showed that BjCET1 has a high similarity level with metal tolerance proteins from other Brassica plants, indicating that this protein family is highly conserved in Brassica. BjCET1 expression significantly increased at very early stages during both cadmium and zinc treatments. Green fluorescence detection in transgenic tobacco leaves revealed that BjCET1 is a plasma membrane-localized protein. The heterologous expression of BjCET1 in a yeast mutant increased the heavy-metal tolerance and decreased the cadmium or zinc accumulations in yeast cells, suggesting that BjCET1 is a metal ion transporter. The constitutive expression of BjCET1 rescued the heavy-metal tolerance capability of transgenic tobacco plants.ConclusionsThe data suggest that BjCET1 is a membrane-localized efflux transporter that plays essential roles in heavy metal ion homeostasis and hyper-accumulation.

Efficacy of Oral Zinc Sulfate Supplementation on Clearance of Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV); A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Aim:Human Papillomavirus is one of the most crucial infectious disease in gynecology disease. To assess the efficacy of supplemental zinc treatment in clearance of HPV infection. Methods:Eighty zinc-sufficient women between 21-55 years, with positive HPV DNA testing, and abnormal cervical cytology in Pap test (ASCUS or LISL) were randomly divided to case (n=40) and control group (n=40). Case group received oral tablets of zinc sulfate twice a day for 3 months while control group received no placebo. During follow-up patients underwent repeat HPV DNA test and PAP test and were evaluated for clearance/persistence of HPV infection and regression/progression in the lesion grading. Results:As far as demographics, serum zinc levels and the relevant risk factors for persistence of HPV were concerned, there was no significant difference between two groups, except for the frequency distribution of HR-HPV which was significantly higher in case group. Zinc treatment for 3 months reduced the risk of persistence of HPV infection and progression from baseline cytology (OR = 0.130) (CI 95% 0.04-0.381; p <0.001) and 0.301 (95% CI 0.777-0.116; p = 0.012), respectively. Age, initial cytology, HPV type, and contraceptive method were not related to persistence of HPV. Serum zinc levels increased in the casr group as a result of oral zinc consumption for 3-month period, though without any statistical significance (p = 0.407). Conclusion:The results of the following study suggested that oral intake of zinc sulfate supplement for 3 months increases the rates of HPV clearance and resolution of pre-existing cervical lesion.

EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND METALS (ZINC AND CADMIUM) IN EMBRYONIC STAGE OF Anabas testudineus: AN ALTERNATIVE FRESHWATER FISH EMBRYO TEST IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA REGION

The fish embryo acute toxicity test (FET) was proposed as a promising alternative to the general practice of fish acute toxicity test (FAT) on living animals. To date, the available information on freshwater fish embryos in Southeast Asia is limited. Hence, this study aims to present preliminary data on the single and combined exposure effects of temperature and metals, including zinc and cadmium, on the embryonic development of Anabas testudineus. Over 80% of the embryos died after 10 hour post-fertilization (hpf) in all cadmium treatments, whereas the same effect was only observed in 49.6 and 146 mg/L of zinc treatment. The optimum temperature for rearing the embryos ranged from 27 to 34°C, with a survival rate greater than 90% was recorded. The combined test of zinc + cadmium showed the additive effect with approximately 80% mortality rate at 12 hpf, while the combination of temperature and cadmium had increased the mortality rate up to 100% at 16 hpf. The temperature was found to elevate the cadmium uptake in the embryos and magnified the concentration higher than the concentration in water.

Improving Heat Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by Dietary Zinc Supplementation

In this study, we investigated the effects of zinc threonine supplementation on growth, immunity-related genes, antioxidative stress, and resistance to heat stress (HS) in Nile tilapia. A total of 300 Nile tilapia ( 76.69 ± 0.11 g) were randomly allocated into five zinc treatments, with three replicates of 20 fish in each treatment. Based on the control group with zinc-free feeds, dietary zinc levels of 20 or 40 mg/kg diet were added in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and zinc threonine (Thr-Zn). After 45 days of feeding, part of the fish was exposed to HS. The highest performance of growth and feed intake was found in fish fed with zinc (ZnSO4 or Thr-Zn) at 40 mg/kg, which also significantly elevated the villus length and absorption area. Additionally, significantly higher values of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity but lower value of malondialdehyde both before and after the heat stress were documented in fish fed with zinc at 40 mg/kg in diets. After HS, dietary supplementation with zinc threonine significantly reduced the expression of HSP 70 in the liver but increased the expression of IL-10 and TNF-α. Our study demonstrated that zinc threonine supplementation at 40 mg/kg facilitated the coping of tilapia with HS by improving the growth, intestinal morphology, antioxidative resistance, and immune responses.

Performance of a zeolite filter treating copper roof runoff

ABSTRACT Copper is a common roofing material used in urban environments, yet it poses a threat to the ecosystem. Space requirements for stormwater treatment in urban areas are often problematic. This study investigated the treatment efficiency of a filter system containing zeolite as filter medium and treatment of copper roof runoff in field conditions. Emphasis was placed on copper and zinc treatment, while the release of sodium and aluminium was also evaluated. The filter system was monitored over a period of 16 months (7 sampling events). The filter reduced the total and dissolved copper by 52–82% and 48–85%, respectively. Although the average observed treatment efficiency of copper and zinc was high, considerable decline in filter efficiency was noticed, indicating potential saturation of the filter medium. Moreover, the copper concentrations in the outlet were still high, 350–600 μg/l, and significantly higher than the concentrations recommended by the relevant authorities.

Zinc supplementation ameliorates sorafenib-induced cognitive impairment through ROS/JNK signaling pathway.

Sorafenib, a multiple kinase inhibitor, is widely used in cancer patients. Recently, clinical studies highlighted the relationship between cognitive deficits and sorafenib exposure. Zinc abundant in the body has been reported to exert neuroprotective activities. However, the effects of zinc supplementation on sorafenib-induced cognitive impairment are still unknown. In the current study, we verified that mice challenged with sorafenib displayed characteristic features of cognitive impairment. However, zinc treatment effectively improved these changes. Histopathological staining also showed that zinc significantly alleviated hippocampal microstructural and ultrastructural damages induced by sorafenib. Meanwhile, zinc significantly reduced sorafenib-induced ROS production and neuronal cells apoptosis in vivo and vitro. Additionally, we also investigated whether zinc protected against sorafenib-induced neuronal cells apoptosis via ROS/JNK pathway through treating SH-SY5Y cells with the NAC or the specific JNK activator anisomycin. The results indicated that NAC performed the same protective effects as zinc in sorafenib-challenged SH-SY5Y cells and activation of JNK by anisomycin partly abolished the protective effects of zinc. Collectively, the present study suggested that inhibition of oxidative stress and the JNK pathway might contribute to the protective effects of zinc against sorafenib-caused cognitive impairment in vivo and vitro.

Effects of zinc and iron on the abundance of Microcystis in Lake Taihu under green light and turbulence conditions.

Trace element is one of the important factors affecting the growth of Microcystis. The effects of zinc (0.4mg/L) and iron (2mg/L) on the abundance of Microcystis in Lake Taihu were investigated under continuous turbulence and green light conditions in a microcosm experiment. The study results showed that the abundance of Microcystis in the zinc treatment and the iron treatment group was 8.30% and 214% of that in the control group at the end of the experiment, respectively. The proportion of Cyanobacteria in the total phytoplankton biomass in the control, iron treatment, and zinc treatment group decreased from 99.99% at the beginning of the experiment to 13%, 18%, and 1% at the end of the experiment, respectively. At the end of the microcosm experiment, the phytoplankton community was dominated by Bacillariophyta in the control group, accounting for 63%, but it was dominated by Chlorophyta in the zinc treatment and the iron treatment group, accounting for 89% and 42%, respectively. The study results showed that under green light and turbulence, 0.4mg/L zinc remarkably decreased the abundance of Microcystis, but 2mg/L iron effectively increased the number of Microcystis and other algae. This research results provided a new idea for controlling Microcystis blooms.

The role of nutrients underlying interactions among root-nodule bacteria (Bradyrhizobium sp.), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Funneliformis mosseae) and root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus thornei) in nitrogen fixation and growth of mung bean (Vigna radiata)

To investigate the role nutrients play in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal improvement of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by Bradyrhizobium sp. and increases in Pratylenchus thornei (Sher & Allen) population density in mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek). A glasshouse experiment was conducted on mung bean with 26 factorial treatments of AMF, rhizobia, P. thornei, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in a pasteurised vertisol. Variates of biomass, yield, nodulation, natural abundance δ15N, mycorrhizal colonisation, nutrients in the plant shoot and P. thornei multiplication were assessed at 6 and 11 weeks. The combination of AMF and P improved BNF in the shoots at 6 weeks, while AMF alone improved BNF and nodulation greater than the addition of P at 11 weeks. Inoculation with AMF increased the shoot concentrations of P and Zn greater than fertilisation with either nutrient alone. Seed yield and biomass were similar when AMF or P was each applied alone with no further increase when combined. Rhizobia increased seed yield greater than the addition of N. Inoculation with AMF and rhizobia increased yield and biomass greater than rhizobia alone, and to a higher level than inoculation with AMF and fertiliser N. Pratylenchus thornei populations in the roots increased with AMF, but the addition of N, P and Zn decreased them. AMF increase supply of P to mung bean, improving BNF by Bradyrhizobium, yield and crop nutrition while reducing fertiliser inputs. Active management to ensure effective AMF colonisation and reduced P. thornei reproduction is warranted.

Low-carbon treatment of zinc contaminated iron tailings using high-calcium geopolymer: Influence of wet-dry cycle coupled with acid attack

Zinc contaminated iron tailings can be stabilized by an environmentally friendly high-calcium geopolymer as a new filler material for clean reutilization. The durability and toxic leaching of stabilized materials are vital for sustainable engineering applications, especially when exposed to complex environments. This study comprehensively studied the strength and leaching performance of four types of high-calcium geopolymer stabilized tailings (M series and C series; M1, M2, C1, and C2) subjected to the erosion of the Wet-Dry cycles coupled with Acid rain (WDA). Tests including unconfined compression test, apparent integrity, and mercury intrusion test were carried out to evaluate the strength and durability of stabilized tailings. These results showed that the erosion resistance of the C series was worse than that of the M series. Meanwhile, the leachate properties, e.g., pH, electrical conductivity, and typical ion (calcium, magnesium, and zinc) leaching concentrations, were examined to evaluate the leaching durability of the stabilized tailings. The relationships between chemical properties and ion leaching concentration were analyzed, which helped understand the erosion and leaching mechanisms. These results reflected that the occurrence of erosion is due to the coupling effect between the structural damage and hydration reaction. Furthermore, the stabilized materials after the WDA erosion were investigated the mechanisms of immobilization, erosion, and leaching via the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy tests. The mechanisms of zinc immobilization were precipitation, adsorption and solid-solution structure, and physical encapsulation. After the WDA erosion, the number of hydration products would decrease, but the zinc-sulfate precipitates would increase to reduce zinc leaching. Therefore, the increase of zinc leaching concentration was related to zinc desorption and damage of physically encapsulated zinc. The paper deepens the understanding of the durability of these stabilized materials under wet-dry and acid erosion, improving the reuse reliability of clean and green materials.

Effects of Zinc Adaptation on Histological Morphology, Antioxidant Responses, and Expression of Immune-Related Genes of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc adaptation on histological morphology and antioxidant and immune responses of grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella). A total of 180 young grass carp (20.0 ± 2.0g) was equally distributed into 9 groups, and triplicate groups were subjected to 0μg/L Zn2+ (control group), 200μg/L Zn2+, and 300μg/L Zn2+ solution for 42days, respectively. The results indicated that the liver and gill have obvious pathological changes after long-term adaptation to zinc except the intestine; the zinc adaptation can positively influence intestinal morphology. The activities of GPX (glutathione peroxidase activity), SOD (superoxide dismutase), and CAT (Catalase) were significantly increased in zinc treatment groups (P < 0.05). The genes expression levels of CuZnSOD (copper zinc superoxide dismutase), CAT, Hsp70 (heat shock protein-70), IL-1b (interleukin-1-b), and TGF-β1 (transforminggrowthfactor-β1) were upregulated in the gill and intestine of grass carp following waterborne adaptation to zinc solution for 42days (P < 0.05). In conclusion, zinc adaptation has different effects on organs of grass carp and may reduce the inflammatory response of the body's gills and intestines by improving the body's antioxidant and anti-stress defense capabilities.

Effect of different water deficit and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments of chemical composition of maize

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive seasons at the Experimental Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014, to study the effect of irrigation intervals and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments on chemical composition of maize. Results indicated that scheduling at every 10 days produced the N% , Crude protein%, Cu%, P%, K%, Zn%, Si%, Mn% and Fe% and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments produced the highest chemical composition of maize crop. The best N%, Crude protein%, Cu% and Mn were obtained from zinc + silicon treatments followed by zinc, silicon treatments. In contrast, untreated treatments produced the lowest values. It can be concluded that the scheduling at every 10 days and application of foliar spray of zinc + silicon treatments as the effective one could be recommended for scheduling irrigation at every 10 days with application of foliar spray of zinc, silicon or zinc +silicon treatments of maize crop at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt to obtain the best results from chemical composition of maize.

Effect of irrigation intervals and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments on maize growth and yield components of maize

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive seasons at the Experimental Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt, during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014, to study the Effect of Irrigation intervals and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments on Maize growth and yield components of maize. Results indicated that, scheduling at every 10 days produced the highest plant height, Flag Leaf area (cm²), Cob length (cm), Weight of 100-grains (g), Biological yield (T/fad.) and Grain yield (ard./fed.) followed by irrigation at 15 and 20 days interval, in contrast irrigation at 25 days interval produced the lowest values and foliar spray of zinc and silicon treatments produced the highest plant height-improved yield and yield components of maize crop. The best yield was obtained from zinc + silicon treatments followed by zinc, silicon treatments. In contrast, untreated treatments produced the lowest values. It can be concluded that the scheduling at every 10 days and application of foliar spray of zinc + silicon treatments as the effective one could be recommended for scheduling irrigation at every 10 days with application of foliar spray of zinc + silicon treatments of maize crop at Shandaweel Agricultural Research Station, Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt to obtained the best results from maize grain yield.

Seed priming and soil application of zinc decrease grain cadmium accumulation in standard and zinc-biofortified wheat cultivars

Context Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal for both plants and humans. Wheat grown on Cd-contaminated soils may accumulate toxic levels of Cd in grains. Aim This study aimed to compare soil zinc (Zn) application and seed Zn-priming for decreasing grain Cd concentration in standard and Zn-biofortified wheat cultivars grown on Cd-spiked soil. Methods Standard (Jauhar-2016) and Zn-biofortified (Zincol-2016) wheat cultivars were grown in pots filled with Cd-spiked soil (8 mg Cd kg−1). The tested Zn treatments were un-primed, hydro-primed, and Zn-primed seeds with and without soil Zn application at 8 mg kg−1. Key results Zinc treatments significantly mitigated the toxic effects of Cd on the growth and physiological parameters of both cultivars. As compared to control, all Zn treatments significantly increased Zn and decreased Cd concentration in grains of the cultivars. On average, the maximum increase in grain Zn concentration over control was approximately 36% with Zn-priming + soil Zn. The same treatment, as compared to control, decreased grain Cd concentration by 42% in Zincol-2016 and 35% in Jauhar-2016. Grain Cd concentration was within the permissible level (≤0.2 mg kg−1) in Jauhar-2016 at all Zn treatments and in Zincol-2016 at Zn-priming + soil Zn. Conclusion Soil Zn application, seed Zn-priming, and their combination were effective in decreasing grain Cd accumulation in wheat grown on Cd-contaminated soil. Implication Zinc treatments, especially the combination of soil Zn application and seed Zn-priming, should be recommended for wheat grown on Cd-contaminated soil.

Effects of zinc-aluminium injection on corrosion behaviour and semiconductor properties of carbon steel in the PHT system of PHWR.

Carbon steel is widely used as the piping of the primary heat transport system (PHT) in pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR). Effects of zinc/aluminum treatment and simultaneous injection of zinc and aluminum on corrosion behavior and semiconductor properties of oxide films formed on carbon steels were characterized by the gravimetric method, potentiodynamic polarization scan, EIS, Mott–Schottky test, SEM, EDS mapping, XPS analysis and photocurrent response measurement. The results showed that all the metal cation ions treatment can improve the corrosion resistance of oxide films in varying degrees. 20 ppb Zn2+ had the greatest enhancement in corrosion resistance, followed by 20 ppb Zn2+ + 20 ppb Al3+. ZnFe2O4, FeAl2O4 and ZnAl2O4 were detected to be new spinel phases generated in oxide films. The oxide films on the surface of carbon steel all demonstrated n-type semiconductor properties. It was worth noting that the total content of manganese and zinc in the oxide film played an important role in the corrosion resistance of carbon steel.

Effects of micronutrients on growth and yield of potato

A field experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Farm of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effects of micronutrients and their methods of application on growth and yield of potato cv. Diamant during the period from November 2019 to March 2020. The experiment consisted of two factors, Factor A: Two methods of micronutrient application viz., M1= Basal and M2= Foliar, and Factor B: Four levels of micronutrients viz., T0= control treatment, T1= Boron (B) @ 2 kg/ha, T2= Zinc (Zn) @ 3 kg/ha, T3= B @ 2 kg/ha + Zn @ 3 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Result of the experiment revealed that application method and different levels of micronutrients alone or in combination significantly influenced all the parameters studied. The highest tuber yield (3.53 t/ha) was obtained with foliar application and the lowest was found from basal application. On the other hand the highest tuber yield (4.56 t/ha) was obtained when B + Zn @ 2 kg B/ha + 3 kg Zn/ha was applied and the lowest was recorded from control treatment. Among the treatment combinations, foliar application of micronutrients along with combined treatment of B + Zn @ 2 kg/ha + 3 kg/ha produced the maximum tuber yield (4.89 t/ha) while the lowest was obtained from the control treatment. Therefore, foliar application method along with the combined treatment of boron plus zinc was found to be better in respect of growth and yield of potato.

Electrochemical coating of zinc carboxylate: A new protection for zinc in atmospheric conditions

To prevent the premature tarnishing of zinc-coated products in moist atmosphere or during wet-dry climatic cycles, new surface treatments of zinc are developed in this study. For that, electrochemical behaviour of pure zinc in this media was studied versus pH and potential by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic techniques. Then, different coatings constituted by zinc heptanoate or zinc hydroxyheptanoate were synthesized by electrochemical oxidation on zinc-coated steel and tested in climatic chamber. The coatings mainly constituted by zinc heptanoate trap the OH − anions and delay the alkalinisation of the zinc surface during the wet-dry cycle. This coating constitutes an environmentally friendly alternative to the usual conversion treatments, to inhibit the formation of hydrozincite (white rust) in atmospheric corrosion. • Zinc soap layer can be formed by electrochemical oxidation of zinc in aqueous medium. • The electrochemical conversion of zinc is more efficient in slightly acid medium. • Crystalline zinc heptanoate constitutes a temporary protection against zinc tarnishing. • Zinc soaps inhibit the formation of powdery white rust on zinc

Effects of Zinc Application on Some Important Yield and Quality Characteristics of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

In this study, the effects of zinc application on the yield and quality characteristics of coriander was investigated. The experiments were conducted in randomized blocks split plots experimental design with 4 replications. In the experiment, coriander cultivars (Arslan and Gürbüz) were placed in the main plots and zinc doses (Control, 200, 400, 800 g da-1) were placed in the subplots. In the study, cultivar x zinc interaction was significant in the number of umbel per plant and essential oil content; zinc treatments were found to be significant in the number of branches per plant, biological and fruit yield, essential and crude oil contents; cultivars were significant in thousand fruit weight and harvest index. In this study, essential oil content varied between 0.40-0.55% and crude oil content varied between 10.8-14.6%. In essential oil composition analysis, linalool was the main component, while in fatty acid composition analysis petroselinic acid was determined as the main component. At the end of the study, it was determined that 800 g da-1 zinc dose of Arslan cultivar was appropriate in terms of fruit yield. Also, the 200 g da-1 zinc dose of Gürbüz cultivar and the 800 g da-1 zinc dose of Arslan cultivar had the highest values in terms of linalool and petroselinic acid ratios respectively.

Effect of selenium and zinc foliar application to increase the quantitative and qualitative yields of rapeseed at different sowing dates

The sowing date is an important factor for expanding the cultivated area of rapeseed and affects seed yield, oil content, and fatty acid compounds. Micronutrient elements play an important role in improving the vegetative and reproductive growth of the plant, especially under conditions of biological and environmental stresses. A two-year experiment (2014-2016) was performed to study the response of rapeseed genotypes to foliar application of micronutrients on different sowing dates. The treatments were arranged as a factorial-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Three sowing dates of 7 (well-timed sowing date), 17, and 27 (delayed sowing dates) October and two levels of foliar application with pure water (control), selenium (1.5%), zinc (1.5%), and selenium+zinc (1.5%) were factorial in the main plots and five genotypes of SW102, Ahmadi, GKH2624, GK-Gabriella, and Okapi were randomized in the subplots (a total of 30 treatments). Seed yield, oil yield and content, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were reduced when rapeseeds were cultivated on 17 and 27 October, while the contents in palmitic, linolenic, and erucic acids, and glucosinolate increased (p &lt; 0.01). a selenium+zinc treatment improved seed yield, oil content and yield (p &lt; 0.01). The oil quality increased due to increased contents of oleic and linoleic acids under the selenium+zinc treatment (p &lt; 0.01). The GK-Gabriella and GKH2624 genotypes are recommended to be sown on well-timed (7 October) and delayed sowing dates (17 and 27 October) and treated with selenium+zinc due to the higher oil yield, linoleic and oleic acids.

THE ZINC AGRONOMIC BIOFORTIFICATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON WINTER WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

This study evaluates the influence of agronomic biofortification with zinc on the productivity and quality of winter wheat. The large number of people, globally, affected by the nutritional deficiency of minerals, requires urgent measures to remedy this shortcoming. Agronomic biofortification of zinc cereals is much faster than biofortification through breeding programs. The experiment took place at ARDS Lovrin and was placed in the field according to the randomized block method, in three repetitions. The three experimental factors - factor A - seed treatment, with the following graduations: a1 - without seed fertilization, a2 - with seed fertilization, factor B - variety: b1 - Ciprian variety, b2 - Glosa variety, b3 - Dacian variety and factor C - zinc treatment - c1 - unfertilized control, c2 - soil fertilization, c3 - foliar fertilization at the end of the tillering period, c4 - foliar fertilization in the heading phase, c5 - foliar fertilization in the milk phase, were study both unilaterally and in different combinations. It is noted, in the climatic conditions of the experimental period, as the fertilization variant to increase the zinc content in the grain, the variant with soil fertilization with zinc sulfate, when combined with seed treatment. In this combination, the highest values of zinc in the green plant, in the grain, the best production and quality results, statistical assurance for the probability of transgression of 5% and 1% respectively, are recorded. Regarding the formation of productivity elements - spike length, spike weight, number of spikelets in spike, number of grains in spike, weight of grains in spike - obvious correlations are established between them and the fertilization system approached. Thus, the number of spikelets in main spike correlates very significantly with the length of the spike (r = 0.73***), the number of grains in the spike correlates significantly with the length of the spike (r = 0.68**) and with the number of spikelets/ spike (r = 0.65**), the weight of the spike correlates very significantly with the number of grains / spike (r = 0.73***) and significantly different with the weight of the spike (r = 0.59**) and with the length of the spike (r = 0.57**).

Zinc Phasing and Fertilization Effects on Soil Properties and Some Agromorphological Parameters in Maize–Wheat Cropping System

ABSTRACT The poor availability of zinc (Zn) in soil is due to the restricted replenishment of micronutrients in intensive agricultural systems. Zinc application is the most practical approach for treating zinc deficiency. The study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of Zn applications at different levels (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kg ha−1) and phasing (once in 6 years, alternate year, and every year) and one control on soil properties and agromorphological parameters. The experiment was initiated in the year 2012 (rabi season) at the research farm of Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, in a randomized block design with 13 treatments replicated three times. Results after 6 years of experimentation revealed that available nitrogen, potassium, DTPA-extractable Zn, and manganese (Mn) in soil increased with increasing Zn levels when applied once, alternate year, and every year. However, DTPA iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) showed no definite trend. Zinc fertilization at different phasing showed nonsignificant effect on pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and organic carbon (OC). The plant height, number of tillers per meter, and number of leaves per plant were maximum with treatment 10 kg Zn ha−1 when applied every year and were significantly superior over no zinc. Although treatment zinc application of 10 kg ha−1 every year was statistically at par with treatments zinc application of 7.5 kg ha−1 every year and 10 kg ha−1 of alternate year. Hence, results indicated that Zn application of 10 kg ha−1 in alternate year significantly improved soil properties and agromorphological parameters under maize–wheat cropping system.