Zinc fertilization effect on macro and micro-nutrients concentrations and uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at New Delhi, to find out the effect of zinc (Zn) fertilization on concentration and uptake of macro and micro-nutrients in high-yielding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. Treatments comprised 6 high-yielding varieties of wheat in the main plots and 5 Zn management treatments as sub-plots. Results indicated that nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content in different parts of wheat varieties was found in the order of grain > straw > spike straw, grain > spike straw > straw and straw > spike straw > grain, respectively. However the concentration of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) was found in order of straw > spike straw > grain and straw > grain > spike straw respectively. With respect to nutrients, the highest N (2.28%), P (3, 711.6 mg/kg), K (0.48%), Zn (40.6 mg/kg), Fe (124.8 mg/kg) and Mn (33.7 mg/kg) contents were registered in grain of ‘HD 2967’, ‘HD 2967’, ‘HD 2687’, ‘HD 2851’, ‘HD 2687’ and ‘HD 2894’, respectively. The concentration of macro and micro-nutrients were recorded statistically identical in different treatments of Zn fertilization. However, significant increase in macro and micro-nutrients uptake was registered due to Zn fertilization and the highest uptake of nutrients was recorded with application of 1.25 kg Zn/ha through Zn-EDTA + 0.5% foliar spray of Zn-EDTA at maximum tillering and booting stages. Thus, soil (1.25 kg Zn/ha) + foliar (0.5%) application of Zn-EDTA was found superior with respect to macro and micro-nutrients uptake.