Maize grain zinc and iron concentrations as influenced by agronomic management and biophysical factors: a meta-analysis

Job Kihara; Sileshi, Gudeta W.; Bolo, Peter Omondi; Mutambu, Dominic Mwanzia; Sila, Andrew Musili

Maize grain zinc and iron concentrations as influenced by agronomic management and biophysical factors: a meta-analysis

Autores

Job Kihara

Sileshi, Gudeta W.

Bolo, Peter Omondi

Mutambu, Dominic Mwanzia

Sila, Andrew Musili

Descripción

Human Zn and Fe deficiencies can be reduced through agronomic biofortification, but information on factors influencing maize grain-Zn and -Fe levels remains scant. This analysis: (1) Establishes the global distribution of Zn and Fe concentrations in maize grain; (2) Assesses different agronomic practices’ contributions to increasing maize-grain Zn and Fe levels; and (3) Identifies key biophysical factors to guide agronomic biofortification. Using 1,332 data points in 102 published papers from 24 countries, we estimated a 24% probability of grain-Zn concentrations exceeding the benchmark target of 38 mg kg−1. Metodology:A meta analysis (2023-09)