Exploring options for increasing maize yields and grain Zn concentrations in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Abstract Background Increasing zinc (Zn) concentrations in maize grains could contribute to alleviating widespread human Zn deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, trade-offs between grain Zn concentrations and maize yields have been observed. Scope Using data from researcher-managed, on-farm and on-station field trials in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, we aimed (i) to confirm whether this trade-off is found in current farming systems in SSA and (ii) to explore whether genotypic and management options, relevant for the African context, can increase both yields and grain Zn concentrations across several environments. Results An overall negative, but weak relation between maize yields and grain Zn concentrations was found. High yields and high grain Zn concentrations did not co-occur. The negative relation between grain Zn concentrations and yields cannot be bypassed by selecting one of the commercially available varieties used in this study. Nitrogen application increased yields, but had contrasting effects on grain Zn concentrations depending on variety and site. Grain Zn concentrations were positively related with soil organic carbon and P and K availability. Conclusions Attaining grain Zn concentrations above the HarvestPlus target of 38 mg kg−1, considered adequate for reducing human Zn deficiency, with current commercially available maize varieties and presented management options, is not possible without compromising yield levels. Increasing soil organic matter content and balanced application of N, P and K fertilisers could increase grain Zn concentrations. These practices likely will also increase yields and could be a viable option to bypass the trade-off between maize yields and grain Zn concentrations.