Influence of Zinc Fertilization Methods and Varietal Response on Paddy Yield and Zinc Bioavailability

Malnutrition is a major global health concern, especially in underdeveloped and developing regions, where diets often lack essential nutrients. Poor dietary diversity and limited access to nutrient-rich foods contribute significantly to this issue. Addressing malnutrition is vital for achieving global food and nutritional security. A field experiment was conducted for Kharif season (2021-22) at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyala, Andhra Pradesh by using split plot design to study the Influence of Zinc Fertilization Methods and Varietal Response on Paddy Yield and Zinc Bioavailability. In an experimental study, the rice variety NDLR-8 produced the highest grain yield (6,379 kg/ha) and straw yield (6,751 kg/ha), closely followed by the NDLR-7 variety. The study highlighted a strong positive response of rice to zinc fertilization in a low-rainfall region, particularly at application rates between 50 and 100 kg/ha. In terms of nutritional quality, NDLR-8 also showed significantly higher iron (42.35 mg/kg) and zinc (7.81 mg/kg) content compared to other varieties. Importantly, zinc application did not significantly alter the levels of potassium, copper, or manganese in the soil, relative to its initial condition. However, even small increases in zinc levels led to a noticeable rise in total zinc uptake by the plants. These findings underscore the potential of targeted zinc fertilization and nutrient-rich crop varieties like NDLR-8 to combat widespread zinc deficiency, improve soil health, and support the fight against malnutrition through improved crop nutrition.