Research Progress in Plant Selenium Enrichment

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, with soil availability determining plant uptake. Global distribution varies, with China having both deficient and selenium-rich regions. Selenate shows higher bioavailability than selenite due to weaker soil adsorption. Soil pH and organic matter critically influence selenium availability, with alkaline conditions favoring selenate. Fertilizer type and application timing affect plant uptake, with foliar selenate application during late growth stages being most effective. Optimizing soil properties and rhizosphere processes can enhance selenium absorption in crops like wheat, supporting biofortification strategies to address selenium deficiency.