Microelements are important components of living organisms. Their small amounts fulfil substantial functions in organisms, although in larger amounts they can have a toxic effect. The research presented in the paper addressed the effect of different methods of fertilization with selenium at different stages of plant growth on the content of selenium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese in the grain of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Foliar fertilization (dose 5 g ha−1), seed (dose 50.00 μmol) and foliar, soil (dose 5 g ha−1) and foliar, as well as seed, soil and foliar fertilization were introduced. The content of selenium, Se, Fe, Zn and Mn in the grain was determined after mineralization in a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4, through the method of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The study results show that fertilization with selenium has no effect on the yielding of spring wheat. It contributes, however, to an increase in the selenium content in the grain. Fertilization to the grain and soil with additional foliar application at the tillering and stem elongation stage (G+S+F1-2), as well as soil fertilization combined with foliar application at the same stages (S+F1-2) and the stem elongation stage alone (S+F2) proved the most effective. The best period for selenium application in cultivation of spring wheat is therefore the stem elongation stage (BBCH 30–39). Fertilization with selenium did not contribute to an increase in the content of the remaining selected microelements in the grain of spring wheat. The values of the analysed elements are comparable with natural amounts occurring in crops. This shows that fertilization with selenium permits an increase in its content in the grain of spring wheat with no excessive toxic accumulation of elements, such as iron, copper, zinc, or manganese.

26.4.2021