Biofortification of Mungbean (Vigna radiata) using Iron-Enriched Organic Amendment

Abstract

Iron (Fe) is an essential nutrient in human diet and could be increased by biofortification. A number of human populations are iron deficient which leads to various health issues. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of iron-enriched organic amendments such as biochar, compost and poultry manure in soil for Fe-biofortification of Mung bean (Vigna radiata). Application of Iron-enriched poultry manure gave higher Fe concentration (3.32 mgkg-1) in grains. The lowest concentration of Fe found in control treatment (2.15 mgkg-1). The results revealed that various Fe-enriched organic amendments increased crop growth and yield related attributes like number of pods per plant, plant plant and improved the quality by increasing iron concentration in grains. The pH and electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter and NPK of the soil were also significantly affected through Feenriched organic amendments.