New findings from more than 600 research locations in Ethiopia show that combining zinc-efficient wheat varieties with targeted fertilizer application can improve grain yields and nutritional quality, offering a promising approach to tackling micronutrient deficiencies.
Ethiopia’s wheat farmers could improve both productivity and grain nutrition by planting zinc-efficient varieties and applying fertilizers according to soil conditions, according to new research by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and its partners.
The multi-year study, conducted across more than 600 locations in three major wheat-growing areas—Arsi Zone, East Shewa and North Shewa in the Amhara Region—found that combining suitable wheat genetics with targeted zinc fertilizer management can increase the likelihood of achieving higher yields and greater zinc concentrations in grain.
The research, conducted under the CGIAR Sustainable Farming Program, highlights the importance of matching the right seed with local soil conditions and appropriate crop management to improve agricultural productivity and address “hidden hunger,” a condition caused by micronutrient deficiencies.
Wheat is a major source of calories for millions of people, but conventional varieties may contain insufficient zinc to meet nutritional needs. Increasing zinc concentrations in staple crops through biofortification can help improve dietary quality, particularly in communities with limited access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods.
Melka wheat demonstrates genetic advantage
A key finding was the performance of Melka, a zinc-efficient wheat variety evaluated against a conventional variety.
Researchers found that Melka had advantages in both grain yield and zinc accumulation, even without additional zinc fertilizer. In zinc-deficient soils, the probability of simultaneously achieving high grain yield and high zinc concentration increased from near zero with conventional wheat to more than 27 per cent with Melka under baseline conditions.
The findings suggest that selecting varieties capable of efficiently absorbing and accumulating zinc can provide a strong foundation for improving both productivity and nutrition.
“Genetics gives us a strong starting point,” said Tesfaye Shiferaw Sida, a systems agronomist at CIMMYT, explaining that appropriate management can build on the advantages offered by zinc-efficient varieties.
Targeted fertilizer application makes a difference
The study also demonstrated that zinc fertilizer effectiveness depends on soil conditions and application methods.
In soils with sufficient zinc, additional applications delivered limited yield benefits. However, fertilizer management was more important in zinc-deficient soils.
Researchers found that applying zinc fertilizer to the soil at planting, known as basal application, was particularly effective in supporting grain yield. Foliar application, which involves spraying zinc directly onto crop leaves, was more effective at increasing zinc concentration in the grain.
In zinc-deficient soils, combining Melka with a higher zinc fertilizer rate raised the probability of achieving both a yield of at least 4.5 tonnes per hectare and a grain zinc concentration of 40 milligrams per kilogram to approximately 75–80 per cent.
Towards more precise recommendations
The findings challenge one-size-fits-all fertilizer recommendations, emphasizing the need to consider soil zinc levels, varietal characteristics and local growing conditions when advising farmers.
According to the researchers, integrating these factors could help farmers use fertilizers more efficiently while improving the nutritional value of their harvests.
The study demonstrates that higher wheat productivity and improved grain nutrition need not be competing objectives. By combining zinc-efficient varieties with targeted fertilizer management, Ethiopia could strengthen efforts to produce more nutritious staple foods while supporting farmers’ productivity and livelihoods.
