Can Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Improve Grain Iron Concentration of Agro-Biofortified Crops in Zimbabwe?

Improving iron (Fe) concentration in staple grain crops could help reduce Fe-deficiency anaemia communities dependent on plant-based diets. Co-application of nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) fertilizers has been reported to improve both yield Zn smallholder farming systems. This study was conducted determine if similar effects are observed for Fe concentration. Field experiments were two years, contrasting agro-ecologies Zimbabwe, maize (Zea mays L.), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) “seed pools”. The pools” collected during previous farmer surveys represent “high” “low” concentrations. All plots received foliar Fe-ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) fertilizer one seven N treatments, representing mineral or organic sources, combinations thereof. Higher yields larger treatments. Grain increased according species: < but varied widely treatment. Significant N-form the low pool”, which application a greater extent than other forms, not species. Whilst good soil fertility management is essential quality, less consistent previously Zn.