5 Conclusions
Water-saving management was shown to be more
effective in improving grain yield, Zn concentration
and accumulation in rice grain than CF conditions.
Thus, AWD represents not only a promising rice
production system but also a strategy for Zn biofortification.
Zn fertilization significantly increased grain
yield and Zn concentration, and maximum Zn accumulation
was observed with ZnSO4 fertilization under
AWD. Moreover, Zn fertilization reduced the phytic
acid content and molar ratio of phytic acid to Zn in
polished rice, and consequentially enhanced the Zn
bioavailability in the rice grain. According to the
current results, AWD regime combined with ZnSO4
fertilization was recommended in rice production
systems to obtain higher yield, Zn concentration and
bioavailability in grain.