The HarvestZinc Fertilizer Project seeks to explore and test fertilizer use to improve the zinc (Zn) concentration of cereal crops. Used in concert with breeding approach, the application of  Zn fertilizers to soil and/or foliar further encourages and ensures plants to produce Zn dense seed and also contributes to yield.

Biofortification of cereal grains through use of Zn fertilizers (e.g., agronomic biofortification) promises to be:

• a relevant and practical approach to improve Zn concentrations of staple food crops,
• essential for keeping sufficient amount of available Zn in soil solution and maintaining adequate Zn transport to the seeds during reproductive growth stage, and
• required for optimizing and ensuring the success of biofortification of staple food crops with Zn through use of breeding tools.