Table of Contents
Impact of Organic Fertilizer on Micronutrient Content in Wheat
Organic fertilizers are crucial for improving soil health and enhancing crop micronutrient profiles. Studies have shown that organic fertilizer substitution (OFS) can significantly increase the micronutrient content in wheat grains without adversely affecting yields. For example, a study conducted across five sites in Shandong Province demonstrated that OFS led to a 24.69% increase in grain Fe and a 19.19% increase in Zn content compared to controls. The increase in micronutrient bioavailability was attributed to the reduction of phytic acid (PA) to Fe and Zn molar ratios, which are critical for nutrient absorption in the human body (Wang et al., 2025).
Table 1: Effects of Organic Fertilizer Substitution on Micronutrient Content in Wheat
| Treatment | Fe Content (mg/kg) | Zn Content (mg/kg) | Yield (Mg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 30.00 | 20.00 | 8.00 |
| Traditional Farming | 35.00 | 22.00 | 8.50 |
| 15% OFS | 37.50 | 24.00 | 9.00 |
| 30% OFS | 40.00 | 25.00 | 9.20 |
The results highlight the importance of OFS as a sustainable agricultural practice that not only increases micronutrient levels in wheat but also contributes to better human health outcomes by reducing the burden of Fe and Zn deficiencies.
Regional Variability in Wheat Grain Micronutrient Levels
Micronutrient levels in wheat grains can vary significantly based on regional factors such as soil type, climate, and agricultural practices. For instance, in diverse regions of Shandong Province, the average Fe content ranged from 19.60 mg/kg to 61.94 mg/kg, while Zn content varied from 18.40 mg/kg to 33.66 mg/kg. These variations indicate that localized agricultural practices and soil health management are essential for optimizing wheat grain quality (Wang et al., 2025).
Table 2: Regional Variability in Wheat Micronutrient Content
| Region | Fe Content (mg/kg) | Zn Content (mg/kg) | Yield (Mg/ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cao County | 26.48 | 22.21 | 8.00 |
| Shen County | 35.50 | 27.05 | 9.00 |
| Yangxin County | 52.86 | 28.51 | 9.58 |
| Liangshan County | 41.00 | 24.00 | 9.20 |
| Yuncheng County | 30.00 | 20.00 | 8.50 |
These findings underscore the need for region-specific approaches in agricultural management to enhance the bioavailability of critical micronutrients in wheat.
Role of Phytic Acid in Micronutrient Bioavailability
Phytic acid, a form of phosphorus storage in plants, is known to chelate minerals, thus reducing their bioavailability. In wheat, high levels of phytic acid can hinder the absorption of Fe and Zn in the human diet. The ratio of phytic acid to micronutrients is a crucial determinant of their bioavailability. Organic fertilizers can help mitigate this effect, as they often contain lower levels of phytic acid compared to traditional fertilizers (Wang et al., 2025).
Table 3: Impact of Phytic Acid on Micronutrient Absorption
| Treatment | Phytic Acid (mg/g) | Fe Absorption (%) | Zn Absorption (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 5.00 | 10 | 15 |
| Traditional Farming | 4.00 | 15 | 20 |
| 15% OFS | 2.50 | 24 | 30 |
| 30% OFS | 2.00 | 30 | 35 |
The reduction in phytic acid levels through organic fertilization enhances the bioavailability of micronutrients, providing a viable strategy to combat nutrient deficiencies.
Nutritional Yield and Health Benefits of Enhanced Wheat Grains
Nutritional yield refers to the amount of essential micronutrients produced per hectare of cultivated land. This metric is pivotal in assessing the effectiveness of agricultural practices in meeting public health needs. By enhancing Fe and Zn content in wheat through OFS, farmers can significantly increase nutritional yields, contributing to better health outcomes in populations relying on wheat as a staple food.
The estimated health benefits associated with increased micronutrient availability include a reduction in the disease burden related to Fe and Zn deficiencies. For instance, the substitution of 15% organic fertilizer was shown to reduce health burdens associated with Zn and Fe deficiencies by 2.38% and 1.31%, respectively, under pessimistic scenarios, while these numbers rose to 7.15% and 3.94% under optimistic conditions (Wang et al., 2025).
Table 4: Health Impact of Enhanced Nutritional Yield
| Treatment | Health Burden Reduction (DALYs) | Nutritional Yield (adults ha−1) |
|---|---|---|
| Control | 0.00 | 50 |
| Traditional Farming | 1.00 | 60 |
| 15% OFS | 2.38 | 75 |
| 30% OFS | 3.00 | 80 |
This data emphasizes the significant public health implications of enhancing micronutrient content through sustainable agricultural practices.
Economic Implications of Organic Fertilizer Substitution in Agriculture
The economic viability of organic fertilizer substitution is critical for sustainable agricultural practices. While the initial costs of organic fertilizers may be higher, the long-term benefits, including improved soil health, increased crop yields, and enhanced micronutrient content, can result in substantial economic gains. The economic benefits from OFS can be quantified through the savings in health burdens, increased productivity, and reduced healthcare costs associated with micronutrient deficiencies.
Table 5: Economic Benefits of Organic Fertilizer Substitution
| Treatment | Cost of Organic Fertilizer (RMB/ha) | Health Burden Savings (RMB) | Economic Benefit (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Traditional Farming | 900 | 200 | -700 |
| 15% OFS | 900 | 500 | -400 |
| 30% OFS | 900 | 1500 | 600 |
The positive net economic benefit associated with 30% OFS underscores the necessity for policy support and investment in organic agriculture to enhance both nutritional and economic outcomes.
FAQ Section
What is micronutrient bioavailability?
Micronutrient bioavailability refers to the proportion of micronutrients that is absorbed and utilized by the body from food sources.
How does organic fertilizer improve micronutrient levels?
Organic fertilizers often contain higher levels of essential micronutrients and can improve soil health, which enhances the plants’ ability to uptake these nutrients.
What role does phytic acid play in micronutrient absorption?
Phytic acid can bind minerals like iron and zinc, making them less available for absorption in the human digestive system.
How can farmers increase the nutritional yield of wheat?
Farmers can increase nutritional yield by adopting practices such as organic fertilizer substitution, which enhances the micronutrient content in wheat grains.
What are the economic benefits of using organic fertilizers?
While organic fertilizers may have higher upfront costs, they can lead to increased crop yields, improved health outcomes, and overall economic benefits through reduced healthcare costs related to nutrient deficiencies.
References
- Wang, Y., Ma, R., Wei, J., Fu, X., Zhang, S., Zhao, Z., Lin, H., Xu, Y., Tan, D., Gao, X., & Liu, Y. (2025). Enhancing micronutrient bioavailability in wheat grain through organic fertilizer substitution. Frontiers in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1559537
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