Agronomic biofortification with iron and zinc for enhancement in yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2024 at the Agricultural Research Farm, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to evaluate the impact of agronomic biofortification with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) on maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid DHM 117. The study utilized a randomized block design with nine treatments, including control and combinations of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with soil and foliar applications of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄. Results showed that the treatment RDF + soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 20 kg/ha + 0.5% FeSO₄ foliar spray at 45 days after sowing (DAS) significantly enhanced plant population (8.28 plants/m row at 30 DAS), plant height (up to 55.9% increase at harvest), dry matter accumulation (up to 67.12% increase), yield attributes (e.g., 57.85% more grains/cob), grain yield (87.85% increase to 74.84 q/ha), nutrient content and uptake (N, P, K increases of 108%, 154%, and 144% in grain), protein content (11.58% increase), and economic returns (net return of ₹102,715/ha, B:C ratio 1.77). This integrated approach proved effective for improving maize productivity, nutritional quality, and profitability under semi-arid conditions.