Abstract
It is still unclear if different sources of nitrogen (N) can variably influence grain accumulation of zinc (Zn), N, and phytate. We tested foliar treatments of 0 or 0.25% Zn as zinc sulfate in combination with 0 or 1% N as ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate or urea sprayed on field-grown-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) foliage at anthesis and 10 days later. Leaf burning caused by ammonium chloride significantly decreased grain yield. Grain N concentration was the highest in the urea +0.25% Zn treatment. Foliar N application influenced grain Zn concentration only if Zn was included in the spray. Grain phytate concentration was significantly decreased by both N and Zn sprays. Estimated Zn bioavailability in grains was the highest at 0.25% Zn and was not influenced by the N sources. Based on grain yield, grain N concentration, and Zn bioavailability in grains, foliar application of Zn + urea is an optimal strategy.