Quantitative evaluation of the grain zinc in cereal crops caused by phosphorus fertilization. A meta-analysis

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a well-documented worldwide problem for crops and humans. Although phosphorus (P) fertilizer application achieves high grain yield in intensive agricultural systems, it can reduce Zn availability cereal grains. Therefore, quantitative evaluation of the P–Zn antagonism needed. A global meta-analysis 51 publications with wheat, maize, rice was performed to quantitatively analyze effect P on concentration. Phosphorus reduced concentration by 16.6% 20.2% 0% rice. did not affect soil available but, averaged across three crops, significantly decreased root 9.94%; reduction associated colonization roots arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. shoot-to-root or grain-to-straw ratios concentration, indicating that translocation remobilization within plant were application. Especially wheat explained “dilution effect” suppression uptake efficiency rather than remobilization. In addition partially explaining cause antagonism, this first study using method demonstrate maize. Biofortification increasing may benefit from an increased understanding how affects rhizosphere processes.