Zinc Fortification of Oat Grains Through Zinc Fertilisation

Abstract

A two-year study at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi showed that an increase in grain and straw yields and zinc (Zn) fortification of grains of oats is possible by Zn fertilisation. Zn fertilisation is the fastest way to fortify oat grains with Zn, which is wanting in human and animal nutrition, especially in developing countries. Zn fortification of oats deserves special attention, because oat is gaining importance as a healthy cereal for human consumption. Coating oat seeds with Zn sulphate or Zn oxide before sowing was found to be the best method from the viewpoint of grain and straw yields as well as Zn fortification of oat grains. The next best method was deep placement of Zn fertilisers at sowing. © 2013 NAAS (National Academy of Agricultural Sciences).