Effects of Zinc and Nitrogen fertilizations on grain yield and some parameters effecting Zinc bioavailability in lentil seeds

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Zinc (Zn) and Nitrogen (N) fertilizations on grain zinc (Zn) phosphorus (P) and phytic acid (PA) concentrations, PA/Zn molar ratio, yield, phytase activity and protein content of lentil varieties. Zinc fertilization led to decrease in grain P concentrations and related parameters. Phytic acid/Zn molar ratios decreased with the increment of Zn and protein concentrations in grains, but increased with the increase of grain P levels. While there were positive relations amongst the grain P concentrations and P-related parameters, there was a close negative relation with Zn generally. Although, protein concentrations negatively affected by grain P and PA concentrations, there was a significant positive relation with N fertilization. Increase of both Zn and P concentrations in grains negatively affected phytase activity, but a positive correlation was seen between the protein and phytase. Grain yield increased with both Zn and N fertilization.