| Abstract: | Abstract Samples of wheat plants from 5 selected villages of Ludhiana (Punjab, India) were analysed for P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The dominant nutritional deficiencies are found to be those of zinc and copper. The extent of hidden hunger is in the order of Zn > Mg > Cu > K. The low concentrations of Zn and Cu are ascribed to the inherent poor fertility status associated with the lighter texture and low organic matter content. The data suggest that the low concentrations of Mg may be due to high availability of K in some soils. A sharp decline in the higher concentrations of P, K, Mg and Zn with the advancement in the growth stage suggests the importance of stage of growth at the sampling time in evaluating the leaf analysis data. |
