Understanding of interception, absorption and translocation of exogenous Zn in wheat is important to the goal of improving biofortification efficacy; however, knowledge gaps exist with regard to absorption and translocation of exogenous Zn by wheat and the role of spikes in biofortification. Results show that spikes are critical in intercepting and absorbing exogenous Zn, and translocation of exogenous Zn is dependent on application stage. The outcomes improve our knowledge of how wheat plants intercept, absorb and translocate Zn.

A challenge for livestock farmers is to improve production and nutritive value of forage grasses through management strategies. This study evaluated the impact of management on productive and nutritive traits of forages during two experimental years on five pasture-based production systems. More intensified systems with proper management allowed better characteristics than degraded pasture, ameliorating the effects of seasonality and improving tropical grasses in pasture-based livestock production systems.

This study aimed to define the optimum cropping calendar and the agroclimatic and agroecological zones for rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) across Ceará state, situated within the Brazilian semi-arid region, assuming different rainfall scenarios: dry, regular, and rainy. The agroclimatic zoning was defined trough the crop water balance results. Our findings demonstrated that rainfed maize cultivated under the semi-arid climate of Ceará state is viable in rainy conditions, partially restricted in regular years, and not recommended in dry years.

The seasonality between the rainy and dry seasons is a challenge for tropical agriculture. This study evaluated different forms of ensiling Tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximum) and forest pasture hay (FPH) aiming to improve the conservation and nutritional value of silages. Results showed that the use of 30% FPH improved the fermentative processes and the nutritional value of the silages. This strategy can reduce the negative impacts of weeds on pastures, although further research is needed for complementary additives.