Effect of nitrogen and zinc fertilizer on Zn biofortification in pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2011–12 at Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh to study the response of pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to nitrogen and zinc on Zn biofortification in this crop. The field experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, with 3 replications, comprising 4 nitrogen (N) levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N/ha) and 3 levels of zinc (0, 5 and 10 kg Zn/ha) with constant rates of phosphorus and potassium at 40 and 30 kg/ha respectively. Application of 60 kg N/ha and 10 kg Zn/ha resulted in the maximum grain yield, N content and uptake by grain and stover of pearlmillet. Zinc content in grain linearly enhanced with sole application of N and Zn levels up to 20 kg N/ha and 5 kg Zn/ha. Combined application of 5 kg Zn/ha × 20 kg N/ha was found optimum for enhancement of Zn content in grains of pearlmillet. Agronomic nitrogen and zinc efficiency decreased with the increasing nitrogen and zinc levels.