1、Enhancing zinc and iron bioavailability through crop rotation and

Several strategies are employed to tackle micronutrient deficiency, including supplementation, food fortification, dietary diversification, and biofortification. Supplementation provides nutrients directly in the form of chemical or pharmaceutical products.

2、Zinc agronomic biofortification in wheat and its drivers: a

Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects 17% of the world’s population, particularly those consuming large cereal grains with low Zn concentration and poor bioavailability.

3、Micronutrient Fertilizers for Zinc and Iron Enrichment in Major Food

Dietary deficiency of essential micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) affects more than two billion people worldwide (White and Broadley 2009; WHO 2012), especially pregnant women and children below the age of five who suffer from severe acute malnutrition.

4、Biofortification of iron and zinc in rice and wheat

Therefore, biofortifying rice and wheat with iron and zinc is an important and economical approach to ameliorate these nutritional deficiencies. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to iron and zinc uptake, translocation, storage, and signaling pathways in rice and wheat.

5、Agronomic biofortification of cereals and legumes with iron, zinc

To prevent micronutrient deficiencies, nutritionists recommend a balanced intake of nutrients through fruits, vegetables, roots, tubers, cereals, and legumes. Unfortunately, diets of sub-Saharan Africans are mainly based on cereals, roots, tubers and legumes.

Biofortification of different maize cultivars with zinc, iron and

Malnutrition of micronutrients including zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se), commonly known as hidden hunger, is a serious global health problem because these micronutrient deficiencies affect more than one-third of the global population (Welch et al., 2013).

Effects of foliar application of micronutrients on concentration and

Foliar application of micronutrient is a rapid and promising strategy to enhance the concentration and bioavailability of micronutrients in wheat grain.

Nutrient Requirements and Fertilizer Management Strategies in

Optimized nutrient management not only prevents deficiencies, imbalances or excessive fertilizer use, but also enhances nutrient-use efficiency, supports productive agronomic systems and promotes environmentally sustainable plant cultivation [10, 11].

Biofortification of major crop plants with iron and zinc

Plant breeding programs within the CGIAR and NARS have made major advances in Fe- and Zn-dense variety development and there have been successful releases of new biofortified varieties.

Biofortification strategies for wheat: Enhancing zinc and iron

For success, biofortification must achieve three goals: high nutrient density, crop productivity and profitability for farmers, and proven improvements in human micronutrient status (Bouis and Saltzman, 2017).

In modern agricultural production, the selection and application of fertilizers are critical to enhancing crop yield and quality. As essential micronutrient fertilizers, magnesium, zinc, and iron play indispensable roles in plant growth and development. Below is a detailed guide on the application methods, precautions, and optimal combination strategies for these micronutrient fertilizers.

I. Application Methods and Precautions for Magnesium Fertilizer

1. Timing: Apply magnesium fertilizer during early growth stages, particularly at the seedling and tillering phases, when plants absorb magnesium most efficiently. For cereal crops like rice and maize, initiate topdressing 5–7 days after sowing.

2. Dosage and Methods: Determine dosage based on soil tests and crop requirements. Excessive use may cause magnesium toxicity. Common application methods include foliar spraying, incorporation into base fertilizer, or fertigation.

3. Precautions: Avoid foliar spraying during hot weather to prevent leaf burn; do not apply with phosphorus-containing fertilizers, as they may reduce magnesium uptake.

II. Application Methods and Precautions for Zinc Fertilizer

1. Timing: Apply zinc fertilizer during mid-growth stages, especially before and after flowering, to support pollen tube formation and fruit development.

2. Dosage and Methods: Adjust dosage according to soil tests and crop needs. Overuse may lead to zinc toxicity. Apply via foliar spraying, base fertilizer mixing, or fertigation.

3. Precautions: Avoid foliar spraying under high temperatures to prevent leaf damage; refrain from combining with copper-containing fertilizers, which may inhibit zinc effectiveness.

III. Application Methods and Precautions for Iron Fertilizer

1. Timing: Apply iron fertilizer during late growth stages, particularly during fruit maturation, to improve fruit quality and yield.

2. Dosage and Methods: Calibrate dosage based on soil analysis and crop demands. Excessive application may cause iron toxicity. Use foliar spraying, base fertilizer integration, or fertigation.

3. Precautions: Avoid foliar spraying in hot conditions to prevent leaf scorch; do not combine with calcium-rich fertilizers, as they may reduce iron availability.

IV. Integrated Use of Magnesium, Zinc, and Iron Fertilizers

To maximize efficacy, tailor the combination of these micronutrients to crop-specific needs and soil conditions. For example:

• Rice: Adopt a "promote early, control later" strategy: apply magnesium before tillering to boost tillers, zinc during tillering to support panicle differentiation, and iron post-panicle initiation to enhance grain filling.
• Maize: Use a similar approach: apply magnesium before jointing to strengthen stalks, zinc during jointing for kernel development, and iron after tasseling to ensure kernel plumpness.

Magnesium, zinc, and iron fertilizers are vital tools in modern agriculture. By following scientific application methods and precautions, their benefits can be fully leveraged to improve crop yields and quality. Strategic integration of these micronutrients aligns with crop physiological needs and supports sustainable agricultural development.