Iron Biofortification of Wheat Grains with Various Iron Fertilization Techniques
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38211/joarps.2025.06.318Keywords:
malnutrition, biofortification, Fe-application, novel variety, calcareous soilAbstract
Most Pakistani soils are deficient in available iron (Fe), which limits crop productivity. Biofortification offers a sustainable solution by enhancing nutrient content in edible parts. This field experiment, conducted at the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA), Tandojam during the 2023–24 Rabi season, evaluated the effectiveness of iron application methods on wheat (variety NBW-232). The study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and three replications on silty loam soil. Treatments included: T1 (control), T2 (12 kg Fe ha⁻¹ via broadcasting), T3 (12 kg Fe ha⁻¹ as Fe-coated urea), and T4 (seed priming with 2% FeSO₄·7H₂O). A uniform NPK dose (150-80-50 kg ha⁻¹) was applied. Results showed that Fe application significantly improved growth, yield, and Fe accumulation, with Fe-coated urea (T3) being the most effective. Iron coated urea (T3) succeeded to obtain the highest number of grains per spike (60.2), grain yield (5533.3 kg ha⁻¹), nitrogen (2.9%), and Fe content (119.3 mg kg⁻¹), while reducing phytic acid (1.807 mg g⁻¹) concentration (p<0.01). In conclusion, Fe-coated urea markedly enhanced wheat productivity and its nutritional value
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