Z. Rengel et al., Agronomic approaches for improving the micronutrient density in edible portions of field crops, FIELD CR RE, 60(1-2), 1999, pp. 27-40
Increased micronutrient density in grain destined for human consumption may
alleviate micronutrient deficiencies (Fe, Zn, Cu, and I) in human populati
ons around the world. The review of literature indicates that fertilization
with inorganic and organic forms of micronutrients has a potential to incr
ease their concentrations in grain. The most effective fertilization could
be via soil (for Zn and, to some extent, Cu), foliarly (for Fe) and by addi
ng fertilizers to the irrigation water (for iodine). Care should be exercis
ed not to overfertilize crops with micronutrients because of consequent tox
icity and losses in quality and quantity of grain yield. Effectiveness of v
arious agricultural measures in increasing micronutrient density depends on
soil type, crop, cultivar, rotation, and environmental and other factors,
thus necessitating development of a specific set of measures for individual
regions. Agricultural measures would need to be supplemented with appropri
ate changes in the milling technology to ascertain that increased micronutr
ient concentrations in some grain parts are passed into the food chain. (C)
1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.