ABSTRACTS
NUMBERS
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VOLUME 13 - NUMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 2008
Bożena Barczak
CONTENTS AND RATIOS OF MINERAL COMPONENTS IN WINTER BARLEY BIOMASS CULTIVATED UNDER CONDITIONS OF DIFFERENT NITROGEN FERTILIZATION
Key words: winter barley, maturity stages, nitrogen, fertilization, macroelements.
In 1999-2002, a strict two-factor field experiment was conducted at the University of Technology and Agriculture in Bydgoszcz to evaluate the effect of different nitrogen doses on the content and mutual ratios of macro-elements in green mass of winter barley in relation to barley growth stage. The experiment was established at the Research Station in Wierzchucinek near Bydgoszcz. The plant material consisted of samples of winter barley biomass taken at five stages of maturity: tillering, shooting (stem elongation), heading, initial grain filling and soft dough phases. The following nitrogen doses in kg×ha-1 were applied as ammonium nitrate: 0, 60, 120, 180. The results showed that the content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in winter barley vegetative mass decreased in the consecutive phenological phases, from tillering to soft dough. The largest decrease in the consecutive growth stages was detected for nitrogen and magnesium. With respect to nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and sodium, their decrease in winter barley biomass during the growing season was generally higher in objects fertilised with nitrogen than in objects with no nitrogen fertilisation. In general, nitrogen had a positive effect on the content of the assayed macroelements in winter barley vegetative mass in all the growth phases. The ratio of the total content of nitrogen cations was observed to have attained the highest values in the later plant growth phases in the objects with no nitrogen or those fertilised with 60 kg N ha-1.
Wiesław Bednarek, Renata Reszka
INFLUENCE OF LIMING AND MINERAL FERTILIZATION ON THE CONTENT
OF MINERAL NITROGEN IN SOIL
Key words: nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, liming, soil.
Nitrogen is a key factor which shapes the fertility and fecundity of soils. Liming and mineral fertilization significantly modify transformations of nitrogen compounds in soil. The aim of our experiment was to evaluate the influence of liming and ammonium sulphate or calcium nitrate fertilization on the content of total nitrogen and its mineral forms in soil. The study was based on chemical analysis of the soil material obtained from a two-year pot experiment. The design of the experiment comprised 9 treatments in 4 replications on acidic soil and an analogous number of trials on limed soil. The experimental factors were: liming (acidic soil, limed soil), fertilization with ammonium or nitrate nitrogen at two levels (N1, N2) as well as fertilization with phosphorus at two levels (P1, P2). Liming was applied only once, before setting the experiment. The mineral fertilizers were applied every year before plant sowing in the form of fertilizers: ammonium sulphate, calcium nitrate and triple granulated superphosphate. The test plant was spring barley, which was harvested at its full ripeness. The results indicated that the biggest influence on the N-NH4 content was produced by liming and fertilization with nitrogen. The application of calcium carbonate as well as calcium nitrate led to a decrease in the ammonium nitrogen content in soil. The content of nitrate nitrogen was higher in objects fertilized with calcium nitrate than in those fertilized with ammonium sulphate. Liming and nitrogen fertilization had the largest effect on the formation of mineral nitrogen content in soil. Liming contributed to decreased mineral nitrogen amounts in soil. A reverse situation was observed after increasing the rates of fertilization. The application of calcium carbonate and nitrate form of nitrogen contributed to a decrease in the total nitrogen content in soil. This fact can be explained by increased yield of spring barley in the objects limed and fertilized with calcium nitrate compared with the barley yield in the non-limed and ammonium sulphate fertilized trials.
Zbigniew Dobrzański, Mariusz Korczyński, Katarzyna Chojnacka, Henryk Górecki, Sebastian Opaliński
INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC FORMS OF COPPER, MANGANESE AND IRON ON BIOACCUMULATION OF THESE METALS AND ZINC IN LAYING HENS
Key words: copper, iron, manganese, zinc, hen egg, blood, feathers.
The paper presents results of research concerning an assessment of bioaccumulation of copper, manganese and zinc in Lohmann Brown layer hens (5 groups of 12 hens in each). Using ICP-MS method the concentration of these elements was determined in the content and shell of eggs, whole blood and in feathers of hens. Feeding was based on all-mash feed mixture J-297 type with a content of Cu – 21.8, Fe – 200.8, Mn 140.5 mg×kg-1, but in particular groups the contribution of organic and inorganic forms of these 3 microelements was different. Content of Zn in the mixture was 86 mg×kg-1 (zinc oxide). Microelements in the amounts of: Cu – 10, Fe – 40 and Mn – 80 mg×kg-1 were separately introduced to the control and to the test mixtures by using special premixes. In the control version, inorganic forms of these elements were used in a premix (copper sulfate, iron sulfate and manganese oxide), while in the experimental version they appeared in the organic form, i.e. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeasts enriched with the three elements. In the experimental mixtures the contribution of organic forms of microelements was for Cu – 47, Fe – 20 and Mn – 58%. Content of the premix in a mixture was 0.5%. Yeasts contained: Fe – 33.9, Mn – 35.4, and Cu – 22.7 mg×kg-1 d.m. Content of yeasts in the mixtures did not exceed 0.4%. Application of organic forms of copper caused a significant increase in copper concentration in the egg content and shell, in blood and in feathers in the group receiving organic-Cu, which proves better availability of copper from organic forms compared to copper sulfate. Introduction of organic forms of iron and manganese to feed did not cause any significant changes in the content of these metals in eggs, blood and feathers of hens, except the organic-Mn group (the level of Mn in feathers was significantly higher in feathers compared to the control group). Organic forms of copper, manganese and iron did not result in any interactions with respect to Zn although an antagonistic influence of Cu (organic-Cu group) and synergistic of Mn (organic-Mn group) in the egg content was observed.
Marek Gugała, Krystyna Zarzecka
EFFECT OF WEED CONTROL OPERATIONS AND TILLAGE SIMPLIFICATIONS ON IRON CONTENT AND UPTAKE WITH POTATO TUBER YIELD
Key words: potato, iron, content, uptake.
Potato tubers obtained from a field
experiment carried out in 2002-2004 were used for our analysis. The soil
grain-size structure was that of light loamy sand. Two soil tillage systems
were compared: conventional (ploughing + fall ploughing + harrowing +
cultivating + harrowing) and simplified (reversing ploughing + cultivating).
The second factor involved seven weeding methods such as application of the
following herbicides: Plateen 41.5 WG, Plateen 41.5 WG + Fusilade Forte 150
EC, Plateen 41.5 WG + Fusilade Forte 150 EC + Atpolan 80 EC, Barox 460 SL,
Barox 460 SL + Fusilade Forte 150 EC, Barox 460 SL + Fusilade Forte 150 EC +
Atpolan 80 EC. Iron content and uptake with tuber yield significantly
depended on the tillage practices and weeding methods as well as the weather
conditions over the growing period. Conventionally tilled potato tubers had
more iron,
65.80 g×kg-1 on average, than the tubers whose cultivation was
based on simplified tillage, 64.82 g×kg-1 on average. The
herbicides applied significantly increased the iron content and its uptake
with tuber yield by an average 4.2 and 13.8%, respectively.
Józef Koc, Katarzyna Sobczyńska-Wójcik, Andrzej Skwierawski
Magnesium concentrations in the waters of re-naturised reservoirs in rural areas*
Key words: re-naturisation of
water reservoirs, magnesium concentrations,
non-flow--through reservoirs.
The objective of the study has been to determine magnesium concentrations and their seasonal changes in waters of re-naturised reservoirs situated in a rural area, 25 years after their re-creation. The study included 3 small, non-flow-through reservoirs, situated close to the village of Sętal, in the commune of Dywity. Water samples for analysis were collected once a month in 2005 and 2006. They were examined in respect of the magnesium level and such physicochemical parameters as temperature, pH, oxygenation, dissolved oxygen, electrolyte conduction and water depth. The results prove that the environment of the surface waters in this area is poor in magnesium (5.2 mg×dm-3 - 6.6 mg×dm-3 on average), which is characteristic for postglacial regions. The re-created water reservoirs can be listed in water quality class I in terms of their magnesium content. The waters of these small re-created lakes were characterised by huge seasonal changes of magnesium concentrations. However, the fluctuations of Mg+2 concentrations were often larger within particular sites than between the examined reservoirs. The highest average seasonal magnesium concentration of 6.6 mg.dm-3, varying from 3.9 mg×dm-3 to 10.0 mg×dm-3, was determined in the waters of a reservoir whose whole catchment had for many years been used for agriculture. The lowest magnesium concentrations in the waters of the reservoirs occurred in springtime, with a slight increase in early summer and an equally slight decline afterwards. No significant increase in magnesium amounts was found until autumn, before they reached their peaks in wintertime. Such a course of fluctuations was caused by the maximum magnesium biosorption in spring and releasing internal reserves (green matter and bottom deposits) of the reservoirs in autumn and winter. Decrease and increase in the Mg+2 ion concentration in the waters of the reservoirs occurred in two ‘pulses’: in the springtime and wintertime, respectively.
Roman Kolczarek, Grażyna Anna Ciepiela, Jolanta Jankowska, Joanna Jodełka
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON THE CONTENT OF MACROLEMENTS (K, Na) IN MEADOW SWARD.
PART I.
Key words: meadow sward,
nitrogen dose, mineral fertilization, foliar fertilization,
potassium, sodium.
Present intensification of plant production rises a need to search for new solutions, such as novel fertilization technologies which reduce environmental pollution. The aim of this work has been to examine principles of rational fertilization of permanent meadows, including delivery of nitrogen doses applied in various forms. The investigations were led in the region of Siedlce in 1999-2001. Basic fertilization was applied once during the growing season, in spring, and consisted of N–60 kg×ha-1, P–60 kg×ha-1, K–60 kg×ha-1 applied to soil. The fertilizers were used in two forms: multiple (Polifoska 15) [P] and a mix of fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, potassium salt) [M]. Nitrogen fertilization of the second and third cuts was conduced as various foliar (20%, 30%, 40% urea solution) or soil (ammonium nitrate). The doses of nitrogen in respective variants were 27.6 kg×ha-1 (N1), 41.4 kg×ha-1 (N2) and 55.2 kg×ha-1 (N3). Every year three cuts for determination of potassium and sodium were collected. Fertilization of the experimental objects with the multiple fertilizer resulted in increasing plants’ potassium content whereas the mixture of fertilizers increased the quantity of sodium in plants. Foliar fertilization with nitrogen in the form of urea solution gave a higher increase in the plants’ content of potassium and sodium than fertilization to roots with ammonium nitrate (independently on the basic fertilization). By analysing the content of potassium in plants in dependence of the doses as well as the kind of supplementary nitrogen fertilization, it has been verified that most of this component was determined in plants treated with foliar fertilization consisting of 55.2 kg N×ha-1 (N3), the lowest potassium concentration occurred in plants receiving foliar fertilization with dose 41.4 kg N×ha-1 (N2). The analysis of the sodium content in plants in dependence of the doses and type of supplementary nitrogen fertilization showed that most potassium was in plants produced on the plots receiving foliar fertilization with a nitrogen dose of 27.6 kg×ha-1 (N1), and the least potassium was determined in plants nourished with 41.4 kg N×ha-1 (N2) applied to soil.
Roman Kolczarek, Grażyna Anna Ciepiela, Jolanta Jankowska, Joanna Jodełka
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF
NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON THE CONTENT OF MACROLEMENTS (Ca,
Mg) IN MEADOW SWARD.
PART II.
Key words: meadow sward,
nitrogen dose, mineral fertilization, foliar fertilization, calcium.
magnesium.
Foliar fertilization is not a new application method, especially with respect to field crops. However, little information is available regarding foliar fertilization of grasses. This paper contains a presentation of guidelines for rational fertilization of permanent meadow through delivery of nitrogen doses applied in various forms. The study was conducted near Siedlce in 1999-2001. Basic fertilization was applied once in the growing period, in the spring, introducing to the soil the following quantities of nutrients: N–60 kg×ha-1, P–60 kg×ha-1, K–60 kg×ha-1. The fertilizers were used in two forms: multiple (Polifoska 15) [P] and a mix of fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, superphosfate, potasic salt) [M]. Under the second and third cut of grass, additional nitrogen nutrition was applied on the experiment plots, as foliar or soil fertilization treatments. The following nitrogen doses were used (in kg×ha-1): 27.6 (N1), 41.4 (N2), 55.2 (N3). Every year, three cuts were collected for determination of the content of calcium and magnesium. The fertilization variants modified the content of calcium in sward. The concentration of calcium increased from 8.4 to 9.0 g kg-1 d.m. only under the influence of increasing doses of nitrogen applied in the liquid form against the background of the multiple fertilizer. While analysing the content of calcium in plants in dependence of the applied doses and method of supplementary nitrogen fertilization, it was found out that most calcium was in plants from plots foliar fertilized with a nitrogen dose of 55.2 kg×ha-1 (N3). The lowest calcium level was in grass fertilized with 41.4 kg N×ha-1 (N2) applied to soil. The content of magnesium in sward was high: on average 3.0 g×kg-1 d.m. in grass fertilized with the multiple fertilizer and 3.1 g×kg-1 d.m. in grass receiving a mixture of single-component fertilizers.
Jan Kucharski, Jadwiga Wyszkowska
BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH THE HERBICIDE APYROS 75 WG
Key words: Apyros 75 WG, herbicide, activity of enzymes, soil microorganisms.
The objective of the study has been to determine the effect of the herbicide Apyros 75 WG on counts of various aerobic microorganisms, activity of soil enzymes and yields of spring wheat. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out in a greenhouse. Samples of soil used for the trials represented loamy sand. Having mixed the soil samples with mineral fertilizers, doses of the herbicide were added and the soil was placed in plastic pots. The lowest herbicide dose was the optimum dose recommended by the producer, and the two other doses were 10- and 100-fold higher. The experiment was conducted in two series: I – unsown soil, and II – soil under spring wheat. It has been determined that Apyros 75 WG disturbs soil’s homeostasis, as it disrupts multiplication of some microbial groups, inhibits the activity of soil enzymes and depresses the yield of spring wheat, even if applied in a recommended dose. Among the soil enzymes, dehydrogenases and urease were the least tolerant to the effect of the herbicide, whereas alkaline phosphatase proved to be the most tolerant one. The vulnerability of microorganisms to soil pollution with the herbicide can be arranged in the following decreasing order: ammonifying bacteria > Pseudomonas > copiotrophic bacteria > oligotrophic bacteria > nitrogen binding bacteria > spore-forming oligotrophic bacteria > Arthrobacter > cellulolytic bacteria > Actinomyces > fungi. Growing spring wheat had a positive effect on the counts of microorganisms and activity of soil enzymes.
Ewa Makarska, Daniela Gruszeczka, Bogusław Makarski
THE LEVELS OF CA, MG AND PHYTATE PHOSPHORUS PRESENT IN SOME X TRITICOSECALE WITTMACK WITH AEGILOPS SP. HYBRIDS AND THEIR TRITICALE PARENTAL FORMS TRITICALE PARENTAL FORMS
Key words: X Triticosecale
Wittmack, X Triticosecale Wittmack with Aegilops sp. hybrids,
phytate phosphorus, phytate complexes calcium and
magnesium.
The investigations aimed at the determination of total and phytate phosphorus content as well as concentration of Ca and Mg bound in the phytic acid complexes in hybrid kernels of triticale forms with Aegilops sp. and of triticale parental components. The research objects consisted of kernels of 4 strains, of which 2 had Aegilops sp. as a maternal form and triticale: Ae. crassa 4x x (Panda x Dańkowskie Złote) and Ae. juvenalis 6x x [(Lanca x L 506/79)x CZR 142/79] as a paternal form, whereas 2 other strains were obtained by reciprocal crossbreeding: [(Jana x Tempo) x Jana] x Ae. juvenalis 6x. The highest total phosphorus content occurred in triticale kernels of (Jana × Tempo) × Jana as well as in two hybrid strains created on the basis of this form (strains No 6 and 7); higher level was found in a strain of the previous generation. The percentage of phytic acid phosphorus in the total phosphorus contained in the kernels varied from 32.8 up to 69.4%. Among the parental components we compared, triticale (Lanca x L 506/79) x CZR 142/79 was characterized by the highest phytate phosphorus percentage in the total phosphorus, which was not confirmed in the hybrid kernels. The phytate Mg share in kernels of the hybrid strains appeared higher compared to the parental components, except no 5 cross combination Ae. juvenalis 6x x [(Lanca x L 506/79)x CZR 142/79]. As for Ca, the kernels of the strains were characterized by a lower content of this element in the phytate complexes compared with the parental forms. Among the strains analyzed, no 4, a cross-combination of Ae. Crassa 4x × (Panda × Dańkowskie Złote) and No 6 – [(Jana × Tempo) × Jana] × Ae. Juvenalis 6x, deserves special attention as its kernels contained higher Ca and Mg content, lower phytate phosphorus level and more advantageous Ca/P tot and Mg/P tot ratios.
Wojciech Sądej, Wiera Sądej, Robert Rozmysłowicz
SOIL CONCENTRATION OF C AND N SHAPED BY LONG-TERM UNIDIRECTIONAL FERTILIZATION VERSUS NOXIOUS SOIL MACROFAUNA
Key words: fertilization,
soil macrofauna, polyphages, Agrotinae, Elateridae, Scarabaeidae,
Tipulidae.
Unidirectional fertilization, if applied for many years, has a strong and sometimes negative effect on soil and natural environment. Such fertilization can cause unfavourable processes including humus degradation, the leaching of nutrients (mainly nitrogen), soil erosion as well as accumulation of weed seeds, pathogens and plant pests. In the last ten years threats caused to agricultural habitats by noxious soil macrofauna, particularly polyphagous insects representing Agrotinae, Elateridae, Scarabaeidae and Tipilidae, have become more explicit. Long-term unidirectional organic or mineral fertilization applied in a long-term static experiment established in 1972 on grey-brown pozdolic soil caused elevated concentrations of organic carbon and total nitrogen in soil. The highest increase was observed when farmyard manure had been used. Unidirectional application of organic fertilizers in rates balanced for the amount of nitrogen added to soil (rate I of liquid manure and FYM), when carried out for many years, caused a significant increase in the density of soil macrofauna. Fertilization with liquid manure balanced with FYM in terms of organic carbon added to soil as well as with mineral fertilizers did not favour presence of macrofauna.
Agata Szymańska-Pulikowska
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IN UNDERGROUND WATERS AROUND A COMMUNAL WASTE DUMP
Key words: municipal waste dump,
underground waters, dump effluents, calcium,
magnesium.
Contaminations carried by effluents from communal waste dumps are a serious threat to underground waters. The effluents may contain solutes washed away by precipitation and also organic and mineral substances that arise during anaerobic and aerobic waste decomposition. Aside of substances that are known to be harmful to the human health (heavy metals), the effluents may contain a large number of common elements which are not regarded harmful at natural concentrations. In effluents from “young” dumps, where the waste undergoes acidic fermentation mainly, calcium concentration may exceed 3,000 mg×dm-3 and that of magnesium reach 1,500 mg×dm-3. Effluents from “old” dumps, where methane fermentation dominates, most often contain up to 400 mg×dm-3 of calcium and 200 mg×dm-3 magnesium. The aim of the work was to elucidtyate the character and dynamics of changes in concentration of the elements studied in effluents from a municipal waste dump at Maślice near the city of Wrocław, and in underground waters of the adjacent land. Deposition of waste in this area began in the late 1960s. The ground conditions provide for an easy contact between underground water and dumped waste, and transport of the washed-out pollutants. Only part of the dump has sealing and drainage that conducts the effluents to a reservoir, where samples for this study were taken. At the turn of 1999 and 2000 the utilization of the dump was terminated and its reclamation began. Thus, the slopes of the refuse heap were fortified with reinforced ground, the cap sealed with synthetic-mineral material, and from the side of underground water inflow a shield was made (in 2002) that reached down to the impermeable ground layer in order to stop the inflowing waters. In 2004 the reservoir for effluents was filled in. The results, presented in this report, on the content of calcium and magnesium in underground waters flowing into the dump did not show any other extra contamination. In dump effluents the relations between calcium and magnesium concentration remained on similar levels. Like for other dumps, in the first years of study calcium concentration prevailed, whereas effluents from older dumps contained greater amounts of magnesium. Increased contents of calcium and magnesium in underground waters flowing under the unsealed part of the dump indicated at continuous inflow of contaminations, that were not eliminated by the technical means applied during reclamation of the installation. Variations in the properties of waters flowing out of the dump depended mainly on the composition of the inflowing waters (max. concentrations occurred concurrently) and the amount of contaminants emitted into the ground from the dump (relations between mean contents of calcium and magnesium varied in them like in the dump effluents).
Arkadiusz Telesiński, Janina Nowak , Beata Smolik, Anna Dubowska, Natalia Skrzypiec
EFFECT OF SOIL SALINITY ON ACTIVITY OF ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES AND CONTENT OF ASCORBIC ACID AND PHENOLS IN BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.) PLANTS
Key words: salinity, oxidative stress, bean, flavonoids, phenols.
Soil salinity is the one of the most important abiotic factors influencing the growth, development and yields of crops. However, it is difficult to determine exact concentrations of salt which cause soil salinity. Salinity threshold levels depend on a crop species, variety, developmental stage and environmental factors. This paper presents the results of an experiment on the effect of different soil concentrations of NaCl soil on several oxidation stress parameters, such as catalase and peoxidase activity, content of ascorbic acid, phenols and flavonoids in bean plants. A laboratory pot experiment was carried out on samples of light silty loam containing 1.2% of humus. Pots were filled with 1 kg soil samples each, to which NaCl solution was added in doses 10, 30 and 50 mM kg-1. Each pot was seeded with 7 seeds of cv. Aura bean. The plants grown in soil without NaCl were the control. On days 14, 21 and 28 green parts of plants were collected for determinations of catalase and peroxidase activity by colorometry as well as the content and flavonoids, phenols, ascorbic acid and chloride concentration by Mohr’s method. The results show that chloride concentration in bean plants increased at higher of NaCl concentration in soil. The activity of the antyoxidative enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase in bean plants, on sampling days, was higher as the chloride concentration in plants increased. Non-enzymatic antioxidants: flavonoids, phenols and ascorbic acid content during the experiment showed different changes with relation to the chloride content, but in all the trials ascorbic acid content was significantly positively correlated whereas the content of phenols was significantly negatively correlated with the chloride content in plant tissues.
Jadwiga Wierzbowska, Teresa Bowszys
EFFECT OF GROWTH REGULATORS APPLIED TOGETHER WITH DIFFERENT PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION LEVELS ON THE CONTENT AND ACCUMULATION OF POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM IN SPRING WHEAT
Key words: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus fertilization, growth regulators.
The objective of this study has been to trace the effect of endogenous growth regulators and different phosphorus fertilization levels on the content and accumulation of potassium, magnesium and calcium in spring wheat. The research was based on the results of a pot experiment established on soil of grain size distribution of light loamy sand. The soil was slightly acidic and moderately abundant in available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Against the background of stable NKMg fertilization (1.5 g N, 1.5 g K and 0.25 g Mg), increasing phosphorus rates (0.0 to 1.02 g P per pot) were tested. In order to compare the effect produced by growth regulators, applied in conjunction with rising doses of phosphorus, the pots were divided into 4 groups according to the sprays: distilled water (control), kinetin, gibberellin and auxin. Kinetin and auxin increased the content of potassium in wheat grain, whereas gibberellin stimulate the removal of this element. Increasing P rates depressed the concentration of potassium in wheat except the oldest leaves. The highest uptake of potassium was observed following an application of 0.68 g P per pot. Gibberellin increased the content of Mg in leaves, glumes, oldest leaves and grain, whereas kinetin and auxin resulted in lower Mg levels. The highest Mg uptake occurred after using 0.68 g P per pot. The plant hormones raised the content of ca in wheat grain. Gibberellin and auxin increased the uptake of calcium by P non-fertilized wheat. Phosphorus fertilization broadened slightly the Ca:P ratio in grain, glumes and stems. Kinetin and auxin narrowed the Ca:P ratio in leaves. Higher phosphoru rates, especially in vegetative organs, narrowed the Ca:P ratio. Gibberellin narrowed the K:(Mg+Ca) ratio in grain and vegetative organs, which in contrast was broadened by kinetin. Auxin broadened these proportions in wheat grain and leaves, while narrowing them in glumes and stems. The lowest and the highest phosphorus rates narrowed the K:(Mg+Ca) ratios in grain and glumes.
Jadwiga Wierzbowska, Teresa Bowszys
INFLUENCE OF GROWTH REGULATORS AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION RATES ON NITROGEN BALANCE IN SPRING WHEAT
Key words: spring wheat, phosphorus fertilization, nitrogen, growth regulators.
A pot experiment was carried out on cv. Jasna spring wheat grown on light loamy sand soil. The soil was slightly acidic in reaction and moderately abundant in available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Consistent NKMg fertilization rates (1.5 g N, 1.5 g K and 0.25 g Mg) were accompanied by increasingly high doses of phosphorus (0.0 to 1.02 g P per pot). In order to compare the effect produced by growth regulators, applied in conjunction with the growing phosphorus doses, the pots were split into four groups, depending on the sprays applied: distilled water (control), kinetin, gibberellin and auxin. The target was to determine the influence of plant hormones and phosphorus fertilization on nitrogen balance in spring wheat. The content of nitrogen in wheat grain depended mainly on the phosphorus fertilization level, the relationship which became particularly evident following auxin and kinetin application. The highest N concentration occurred when 0.85 g P per pot was used. The growth regulators, auxin and gibberellin in particular, depressed the concentration of nitrogen in grain. The level of nitrogen in glumes and stems was only slightly dependent on the level of phosphorus nutrition. In leaves, it was negatively correlated with the doses of phosphorus. The phytohormones depressed the concentration of nitrogen in stems, oldest leaves and in the flag leaf, raising it in the penultimate leaf. The uptake and accumulation of nitrogen in grain tended to increase up to the phosphorus rate of 0.68 g P per pot. The growth regulators inhibited the accumulation of nitrogen in aerial organs of wheat, especially in grain. Gibberellin, in turn, increased the accumulation of nitrogen in glumes and stems. The contribution of grain in nitrogen accumulation ranged from 62% (without P fertilization) to 68% when 0.68 g P per pot was applied. The growth regulators, especially gibberellin, decreased the ratio of nitrogen accumulated in grain. Protein yield per plant, except wheat sprayed with gibberellin, increased proportionately to the rate of phosphorus.
Anna Winiarska-Mieczan, Katarzyna Nowak
DETERMINING THE CONTENT OF SOME MINERALS IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE BABY JUICES
Keywords: mineral components, fruit and vegetable juices, children, infants.
Food is the main source of mineral elements but some are also provided with drinking water and supplements. Juices, for example, are an important source of mineral elements. In infants’ diet minerals are provided mainly by fruit and vegetable purée juices. Infants and young children should be given juices labelled as “special purpose food”. Pasteurised juices are recommended for infants, as they are free of bacteria and toxins, a condition that cannot be completely fulfilled while making juices at home. The aim of the present work was to determine the content of some minerals in fruit and vegetable juices for infants and children under three years of age. The research material consisted of juices, all before their use-by date, purchased in grocer shops in Lublin in January 2006. In total 20 juices were examined, 8 of which were labelled as ‘special purpose food’, 2 were recommended by the National Food and Nutrition Institute and ten juices were labelled as ‘food for young children’. Juices make an important source of minerals in the diet of infants and young children. The most valuable ones are the fruit and vegetable purée juices, as they provide significant amounts of dry mass which includes fibre, minerals and vitamins. Differences in the content of particular mineral elements in juices result primarily from their composition. Although juices for infants and young children should not contain any additives, products without certificates must be treated with caution as it cannot be excluded that some may contain prohibited compounds, e.g. calcium ascorbate or calcium chloride.
Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Jan Kucharski, Agata Borowik, Edyta Boros
RESPONSE OF BACTERIA TO SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH HEAVY METALS
Key words: heavy metals in soil, bacteria count, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead.
The effect of contamination of loamy sand with single heavy metals (Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+) and with their mixtures on the number of copiotrophic, ammonifying, nitrogen immobilising, cellulolytic bacteria and bacteria of the Arthrobacter and Pseudomonas genera was examined in a pot experiment. The research was performed in two series: with soil sown with oat and unsown soil. It was found that the sensitivity of bacteria to Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ is a specific characteristic related to the content of these metals in soil and to the method of soil use. The development of the bacteria of Arthrobacter and Pseudomonas was most strongly inhibited in the soil sown with oat, while ammonifying, nitrogen immobilising, and cellulolytic bacteria were most inhibited in the unsown soil. Copiotrophic, cellulolytic, nitrogen immobilising and ammonifying bacteria proved to be more resistant to this contamination than bacteria of Arthrobacter and Pseudomonas genera. Increasing the number of heavy metals simultaneously contaminating the soil to two (Cd2+ and Cu2+; Cd2+ and Zn2+; Cd2+ and Pb2+) and to three (Cd2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+; Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+; Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+) generally did not increase the intensity of their effect on the examined bacteria. Changes brought about by these mixtures were usually similar to changes caused by individual heavy metals.
Piotr Żarczyński, Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Sławomir Krzebietke
ACCUMULATION OF MACROELEMENTS IN PLANTS ON NEWLY ESTABLISHED FALLOWS
Key words: fallow, oriental goat’s rue, smooth brome, N, P, K, Mg.
In spring 1996, four types of fallows were established on good wheat complex soil (classified as IIIa in the Polish soil classification system): sown with oriental goat’s rue (Galega orientalis Lam.), traditional fallow, seeded with a mixture of oriental goat’s rue (Galega orientalis Lam.) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and under smooth brome (Bromus inermis). This paper documents the results obtained in 2000-2004. Plant samples (4 x 1 m2) were taken from the fallows once every year at the same plant growth and development stage. The content of macroelements in the plant material was determined using conventional methods. The statistical elaboration of the results was based on the analysis of regression and correlation. The results proved that fallow under perennial plants is superior in activating and cycling nutrients to traditional fallow, overgrown with wild plants. On the other hand, when fallow soil is covered exclusively with a papilonaceous plant (e.g. oriental goat’s rue), it is more likely to experience transfer of nitrates(V) to ground waters. A good solution to this problem could be sowing fields which are set aside as fallows sown with a mixture of oriental goat’s rue and smooth brome. Soil protected by these two plants remains fertile and does not create an ecological risk caused by migrating N-NO3.
VOLUME 13 - NUMBER 2 - JUNE 2008
Anita Biesiada
EFFECT OF FLAT COVERS AND PLANT DENSITY ON YIELDING AND QUALITY OF KOHLRABI
Key words: kohlrabi, flat covers, spacing, yield, nutritional value.
Kohlrabi is a fast growing, cool season vegetable cultivated primarily for its enlarged stem, which is rich in nutritional components, especially vitamin C and potassium. In two factorial experiment conducted in 2004-2006 there was estimated the effect of plastic covers (perforated plastic film, non woven agrotextile) and plant density (20x15; 25x20 cm) on yield and nutritional value of kohlrabi cultivated in spring season. The significant highest early and marketable yields were obtained from plots covered with agrotextile. The higher density of plants resulted in increased kohlrabi yield. Kohlrabi cultivated under covers had lower level of dry matter, reducing and total sugars. There was not observed the effect of covers on vitamin C concentration. Kohlrabi grown in spacing 20x15 cm contained higher amount of nitrates, vitamin C and reducing sugars in comparison to spacing 25x20 cm.
Anita Biesiada, Eugeniusz Kołota
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF RADICCHIO
Key words: radicchio, nitrogen fertilization, yield, nitrates, macroelements.
In a field experiment conducted in 2005-2006 the effects of the rate and method of nitrogen fertilization on yield and chemical composition of cv. Indygo radicchio cultivated for summer cropping were studied. Nitrogen was used in a single pre-plant dose or in two rates: as a pre-plant and top dressing application conducted at the start of head formation in the total amounts of 50, 100, 100+100, 150, 100+50, 200, 100+100 kg N×ha-1. The highest yield and accumulation of nitrates were achieved in the treatment with 100+100 kg N×ha-1. The content of nitrates in radicchio leaves varied from 1,070 to 1,350 mg×kg-1 f.m. for the nitrogen rate of 200 kg N×ha-1 supplied in one pre-plant dose, and from 1,160 to 1,380 mg×kg-1 f.m. when the same rate was applied in two doses. The method of nitrogen fertilization had little effect on P and Mg concentration. Potassium and calcium level in leaves of radicchio decreased at higher nitrogen fertilization rates.
Kamila Czerniak, Eugeniusz Kołota
EFFECT OF THE TERM OF HARVEST ON YIELD AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF SPINACH BEET
Key words: Spinach beet, term of harvest, yield, nutritional value.
In a field experiment conducted in 2004-2006, the influence of the harvest term on yield and crop quality of cv. Lukullus Spinach beet was examined. Seeds were sown to the field in the second decade of April and after thinning left at a spacing 45x25 cm. First harvest of leaves was conducted in mid-July and 2 subsequent harvests occurred in two week’s intervals. The content of dry matter, vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were determined in samples of leaf blades and petioles. The results proved that the yield of Spinach beet increased from 42.46 t ha-1 in the first term of harvest to 72.04 t ha-1 and 105.61 t ha-1 in the subsequent terms. Delayed harvest date appeared to be beneficial for the content of dry matter and vitamin C, and resulted in the decrement of the amounts of potassium and magnesium as well as in the accumulation of nitrates in plants. Plants harvested later also contained a lower level of phosphorus in leaf blades. Generally, higher amounts of dry matter, potassium and magnesium were observed in leaf blades, while petioles contained more phosphorus, calcium and nitrates.
Jacek Dyśko, Stanisław Kaniszewski, Waldemar Kowalczyk
THE EFFECT OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION PH ON PHOSPHORUS AVAILABILITY IN SOILLESS CULTURE OF TOMATO RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF VEGETABLE CROPS
Key words: pH, nutrient solution, phosphorus, straw, peat, rockwool.
Greenhouse experiments with tomato were conducted in the years 2004-2006. The aim was to study the effect of nutrient solution pH on the availability of phosphorus in soilless culture of tomato. Tomato plants were grown on mats made of shredded rye straw, and on slabs of peat and rockwool. The plants were fertilized with a standard nutrient solution of different pH: 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5. Such different pH levels of the nutrient solution used in soilless culture modified the pH of the root growth zone. This effect was more evident in rockwool than in the organic media (especially straw). The phosphorus content in the root zone was closely associated with the pH value of the supplied nutrient solution and the kind of growing medium. Considerably lower concentrations of phosphorus were recorded in the organic media (straw, peat) than in rockwool. As the pH level of the nutrient solution increased, so did the pH of the root zone, whereas the amount of available P-PO4 decreased. The course of these changes was similar in all the substrates. However, the dynamics of the changes was weaker in the organic media. With an increase in the pH of the nutrient solution, the average phosphorus content in tomato leaves decreased. The P-PO4 concentration was higher in the leaves of tomato plants growing in rockwool compared to those in the organic media. A significantly higher marketable yield was obtained from tomato plants cultivated in rockwool than in the organic media. For all the growing media, the highest yield of tomatoes was obtained after feeding the plants with the nutrient solution of pH 5.5.
Anna Francke, Joanna Majkowska-Gadomska
EFFECT OF PLANTING DATE AND METHOD ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RADICCHIO HEADS
Key words: radicchio, planting date, planting method, nutritive value, nitrates.
The aim of the experiment, conducted from 2005 to 2006, was to determine the effect of planting date (spring, summer/fall) and method (seedlings, direct sowing) on the content of dry matter, selected organic components and nitrates in the heads of Italian chicory radicchio, cv. Palla Rossa 3. Statistical analysis revealed that both experimental factors had a significant effect on the content of dry matter and simple sugars in the edible parts of radicchio. Dry matter content was significantly affected by planting method, while the concentration of total sugars – by planting date. Chemical analysis of the harvested plant material indicated that radicchio grown in the spring contained more dry matter, L-ascorbic acid, simple sugars and total sugars. Plants obtained from seedlings accumulated more L-ascorbic acid and simple sugars, whereas those grown from directly sown seeds contained more dry matter and total sugars. The nitrate content of radicchio heads was found to be significantly dependent on both experimental factors. A significantly higher (by over 33%) concentration of nitrates was recorded in the edible parts of radicchio grown in the summer/fall. The impact of planting method on nitrate content was less noticeable, but radicchio plants grown from directly sown seeds accumulated more nitrates (by almost 11% on average) than those obtained from seedlings. The interaction between the analyzed factors had a significant effect on the bioaccumulation of dry matter, L-ascorbic acid, simple sugars, total sugars and nitrates.
Janina Gajc-Wolska, Dawid Bujalski, Agnieszka Chrzanowska
EFFECT OF A SUBSTRATE ON YIELDING AND QUALITY OF GREENHOUSE CUCUMBER FRUTIS
Key words: rock wool, perlite, wood fiber, term cultivation, chemical composition.
Cucumber has high climatic demands especially in relation to temperature. Humidity, air temperature and UV light intensity are main factors affecting cucumber crop quality and quantity. Due to the instability of the above during the changing seasons in Poland, all-year-round cultivation of cucumber is difficult. In our experiment we used three types of substrates: rock wool, perlite and wood fibre. Cucumber cultivation was carried out in three times of the year. These two were main changing factors of the experiment. Our research proved that the best quality cucumbers was obtained in the second cultivation period – between April and August, due to the optimum climatic conditions for that species. The type of a substrate also affected the quantity of crops – the highest crops were on wood fiber, slightly lower on perlite. Higher content of dry matter, vitamin C, total sugars, calcium and phosphorus was observed in cucumber fruits from summer cultivation and a high content of nitrogen and potassium was found in cucumber fruits from autumn cultivation.
Monika Grzeszczuk, Dorota Jadczak
ESTIMATION OF BIOLOGICAL VALUE AND SUITABILITY FOR FREEZING OF SOME SPECIES OF SPICE HERBS
Key words: tarragon, hyssop, chervil, biological value, freezing, freeze-storage.
The studies were carried out in the years 2003 and 2004 in the Laboratory of Plant Raw Material Processing and Storage and in the Department of Vegetable Crops of Agricultural University in Szczecin. The aim of the experiment was to estimate the biological value, and suitability for freezing and freeze-storage of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) and chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium L.) were carried out. The chemical analysis were carried out in a raw, frozen and stored material. The determinations included the content of dry matter, total ash, total nitrogen, nitrates, vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, total sugars and crude fibre. Among tested in the experiment species the highest amount of dry matter, total nitrogen and nitrates was noted for hyssop. Chervil was characterized by a high content of total ash, total sugars, titrable acidity and L-ascorbic acid. The highest content of crude fibre was found in tarragon. After freezing the level of dry matter, total ash, total nitrogen, crude fibre, total sugars, titrable acidity and L-ascorbic acid decreased. The samples of herbs were frozen and stored at –25 ¸ –27°C for 6 and 12 months. Twelve-month storage had a significant influence on the further decrease of the content of total nitrogen, titrable acidity and L-ascorbic acid. Tested in the experiment spice herb cultivars showed a good ability for freezing and long-period cold storage. The dry matter loss after twelve month storage was on average 1.5%. According to the color, taste and aroma the highest quality after twelve month cold storage was noted for chervil. However, better preservation of L-ascorbic acid was found for hyssop and tarragon.
Dorota Jadczak, Monika Grzeszczuk
Effect of a sowing date on the quantity and quality of the yield of tarragon (Artemisia Dracunculus L.) grown for a bunch harvest
Key words: tarragon, yield, macro- and microelements content, essential oil, L-ascorbic acid, DPPH percent inhibition.
The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of a sowing date (10 April, 25 April and 10 May) on the quantity and quality of the yield of tarragon grown for a bunch harvest. The yields of tarragon plants were assayed in 2004-2006. Chemical analyses were made in the years 2004 and 2005. In the dry plant material, the content of macro- and microelements: total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron and copper was assessed. Moreover, the content of essential oils in dry plant material was estimated. In the raw plant material, the content of L-ascorbic acid and the scavenging effect on DPPH radical were measured. It was proved that the sowing dates had a significant effect on the yield quantity. Significantly higher yield (424.5 kg×100 m-2) was obtained when seeds were sown on 10 May. The yield significantly decreased when seeds were sown on 10 April. The test sowing dates had no significant effect on the biometrical characteristics of tarragon plants during the harvest; only the leaves were significantly wider when the earliest sowing date was used. The yields were characterized by a high content of mineral compounds. However, the content of iron was twice as high in 2004 as in 2005. Also, the content of zinc and copper was higher in the first year of the study, respectively by 87.2% and 76.9%, compared with the yield obtained in the year 2005. The content of essential oils (mean for years of the study) was 0.59%, that of L-ascorbic acid was 10.08 mg×100 g-1 f.m. and the scavenging effect of tarragon herb on DPPH-radical was 26.74%.
Grażyna Jurgiel-Małecka, Janina Suchorska-Orłowska
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON CONTENT OF MICROELEMENTS IN SELECTED ONIONS
Key words: nitrogen fertilization, microelements content, onion, top onion, shallot.
The effect of nitrogen fertilization on microelements (iron, manganese, copper and zinc) content in the yield of onion (Allium cepa L. var. cepa Helm.), top onion (Allium cepa var. proliferum Targioni-Tozzetti) and shallot onion (Allium cepa L. var. ascalonicum) was examined in a three-year field experiment conducted at the Vegetable Experimental Station in Dołuje. Urea, ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate were applied in two different nitrogen doses: 100 kg N×ha-1 and 200 kg N×ha-1. The bulbs were planted in field at the beginning of April. The planting density was 30 x 5 cm (onion) and 30 x 10 cm (top onion and shallot onion). During the growing season, the soil tillage and plant cultivation treatments were conducted according to standard methods. Onion and shallot onion were harvested during the last days of July or the first days of August, after 75% of the plants had bent leaves. Top onion was harvested at the end of September. The content of microelements in dry matter of the analyzed plants was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, after wet mineralization of the samples in a mixture of concentrated nitric and perchloric acids mixed in a 3:1 ratio. The applied nitrogen fertilization significantly affected microelements in all the tested onions. The content of iron and manganese in onion bulbs increased with the increasing nitrogen doses, while that of copper and zinc decreased. The analysis of the results led to a conclusion that a significant effect on the chemical composition of yield produced by onion, top onion and shallot onion was produced by the applied nitrogen dose but not its form. The content of microelements and extent of the changes caused by the nitrogen fertilization depended on the tested type of onion.
Stanisław Kaniszewski, Jacek Dyśko
EFFECT OF DRIP IRRIGATION AND CULTIVATION METHODS ON THE YIELD AND QUALITY OF PARSLEY ROOTS
Key words: root parsley, cultivation method, drip irrigation, fertigation.
In the years 2005–2007, research work on the influence of surface and subsurface drip irrigation on the yield and quality of roots of parsley grown on ridges and on flat ground was carried out. Irrigation water was supplied via drip lines, which in subsurface irrigation were placed at a depth of 50 mm below the surface of the ridges, along the centreline between two rows of plants. In the case of surface irrigation, the drip lines were placed on the surface of the ridges between two rows of plants. Irrigation started when soil water potential was between -30 and -40 kPa. Nitrogen fertilizers (100 kg×ha-1) were applied in two doses. The first dose was applied pre-plant, while the second one was delivered by fertigation. In the control treatment without irrigation, the second dose of nitrogen was applied by broadcasting. Both surface and subsurface irrigation used in the cultivation on ridges and on flat ground had a significant effect on the marketable yield of parsley roots. However, no significant differences in the yield between surface and subsurface drip irrigation were found. The yield of non-marketable parsley roots in flat cultivation was twice as high as that in ridge cultivation. Parsley plants cultivated on ridges produced significantly longer, better-shaped storage roots compared to those cultivated on flat ground. Surface and subsurface drip irrigation significantly decreased the total N and K content in parsley roots.
Waldemar Kowalczyk, Jacek Dyśko, Stanisław Kaniszewski
EFFECT OF NUTRIENT SOLUTION PH REGULATED WITH HYDROCHLORIC ACID ON THE CONCENTRATION OF CL- IONS IN THE ROOT ZONE IN SOILLESS CULTURE OF TOMATO
Key words: chloride, pH, hydrochloric acid, straw, peat, rockwool.
The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the years 2004-2006. Tomato plants of cv. Blitz F1 were fertilized with a nutrient solution of different pH: 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5. The required nutrient solution pH was obtained by adding adequate amounts of 65% HNO3 and 33% HCl. Nitric acid was used to adjust the nutrient solution’s acidity to pH 6.5. Lower pH levels were obtained adding hydrochloric acid. The amount of the acid needed to adjust the nutrient solution pH to a required level was determined against a water acidification curve. Tomato plants were grown on organic media (peat and rye straw) and an inert medium (rockwool). Changes in the Cl- concentration in the root zone during the cultivation period depended on the kind of substrate and the concentration of chlorides in the applied nutrient solution. In the straw substrate, irrespective of the applied nutrient solution pH, higher concentrations of Cl- occurred in the early stages of cultivation. The concentration of chlorides in peat and rockwool increased during the tomato cultivation period at all of the applied pH levels of the nutrient solution. More chloride ions accumulated in the growth substrates when the nutrient solution has lower pH. Higher Cl- concentration was a result of larger doses of hydrochloric acid. However, when pH is regulated with hydrochloric acid, the permissible chloride concentration levels in the applied nutrient solution and in the root zone of tomato plants are not exceeded. As the concentration of chlorides in the nutrient solution increases, so does the Cl- content in leaves of tomato plants.
Jan Krężel, Eugeniusz Kołota
THE EFFECTS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON YIELDING AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF CHINESE CABBAGE GROWN FROM SEEDLINGS FOR AUTUMN HARVEST
Key words: Chinese cabbage, nitrogen fertilization, yield, nitrate content, nutritional value.
In a field experiment conducted in 1999-2001 the effect of nitrogen nutrition on yield and biological value of cv. Optiko Chinese cabbage grown from transplants for autumn harvest was evaluated. Nitrogen was supplied in a single pre-plant dose in the amounts of 50, 100, 150, 200 kg×ha-1 or in a split application: 100+50 or 100+50+50 kg×ha-1, with top dressing conducted 2 and 4 weeks after planting. The results of the study did not show any significant response of Chinese cabbage yield to higher nitrogen rates. The level of nitrogen raised from 50 to 150 kg×ha-1 was favourable for vitamin C and total sugars content, while the application of 200 kg×ha-1 had a negative effect on accumulation of these constituents. Split application of 150 and 200 kg N×ha-1 resulted in decreased vitamin C and dry matter contents in comparison to single pre-plant doses of nitrogen used in the same amounts. Plant heavily supplied with nitrogen contained the highest level of nitrates.
Brygida Wierzbicka Joanna Majkowska-Gadomska, Anna Francke
EFFECT OF SOIL SUBSTRATE ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FRUIT OF SOME TOMATO CULTIVARS GROWN IN AN UNHEATED PLASTIC TUNNEL
Key words: tomato, cultivar, soil substrate, chemical composition.
The effect of cultivar and soil substrate on the chemical composition of tomato fruit was studied in an experiment conducted over the years 2004-2006 in an unheated plastic tunnel. The experimental materials comprised eight tomato cultivars: Atut F1, Baron F1, Bekas F1, Carmello F1, Gracja F1, Ognik F1, Słonka F1, Terra F1, as well as two types of soil: peat substrate purchas and hotbed soil. Tomato fruit was assayed for the content of: dry matter, L-ascorbic acid, total sugars, simple sugars, organic acids and nitrates. The levels of dry matter and L-ascorbic acid in tomato fruit were found to be significantly dependent on both the cultivar and the cultivar-substrate interaction. Cultivar Atut F1 had the lowest water content of fruit, while cv. Terra F1 was the richest source of L-ascorbic acid. The fruit of tomato cultivars grown in hotbed soil accumulated more dry matter. Hotbed soil, compared to peat substrate, had a more beneficial influence on the concentrations of sugars and nitrates in tomato fruit. The average N-NO3 content of the fruit of the investigated tomato cultivars was below the maximum permissible level, whose exceedance would pose a hazard to human health. The fruit of all tomato cultivars accumulated more nitrates when grown in peat substrate. The lowest nitrate content was recorded in cv. Bekas F1.
Zenia Michałojć, Halina Buczkowska
CONTENT OF MACROELEMENTS IN EGGPLANT FRUITS DEPENDING ON NITROGEN FERTILIZATION AND PLANT TRAINING METHOD
Key words: eggplant fruits, nitrogen form, plant training, chemical composition.
Eggplant fruits are known for being low in calories but rich in minerals, which is good for human health. They are rich in potassium, whose content ranges from 200 to 600 mg K×100 g-1 of fresh mass, depending on a cultivar. Eggplant fruits are also a source of magnesium, calcium and iron. Research on the agro-techniques of eggplant culture in a plastic tunnel has implicated that, on account of a very intensive growth of the plant, both plant pruning and training have a decisive influence on the final amount of fresh mass. Since we lack information concerning the fertilization recommendation for growing eggplants under a plastic tunnel, a study has been undertaken to specify such nutritional needs of this vegetable. The aim of this work has been to determine the influence of nitrogen forms and plant training methods on the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in eggplant fruits. The experiment on cv. Epic F1 eggplant was carried out in years 2004-2005, with eggplants growing in an unheated plastic tunnel. The eggplants were cultivated in cylinder plastic wraps of 10 dm3 volume, in peat. The experiment was carried out in two stages, in a completely random design, with each stage examining different factors. The following factors were examined: I – nitrogen forms: NH4+ (ammonium sulphate – (NH4)2SO4 (20,5% N); NO3- (calcium nitrate – Ca(NO3)2 (15,5% N); NH2 (urea – CO(NH2)2 (46% N), II – plant training method: natural form of the plant, 3 shoots. Nitrogen was used in the amount of 10 g N×plant-1. Samples of fruits used for further laboratory tests were collected in the 2nd decade of August, in the middle of fructification. The fruits were harvested at the marketable stage. N-total, P, K, Ca, Mg were determined in the fruits. The results were elaborated statistically using analysis of variance. Generally, considerably higher content of nitrogen was determined in eggplant fruits fertilised with the N ammonium form; also the content of potassium and magnesium was much higher in comparison to the other nitrogen forms examined. Moreover, significant influence of the plant pruning method on the content of the elements was found, independently of the applied nitrogen fertilization.
Wanda Wadas, Romualda Jabłońska-Ceglarek, Agnieszka Kurowska
EFFECT OF USING COVERS IN EARLY CROP POTATO CULTURE ON THE CONTENT OF PHOSPHPRUS AND MAGNESIUM IN TUBERS
Key words: early potato, perforated film, polypropylene fibre, phosphorus, magnesium.
Potassium is the main mineral component of potato tubers. With a high level of potato consumption, the crop also supplies the human organism with magnesium and phosphorus. The content of mineral components in potato tubers may change as an effect of agro-technical factors. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the type of cover (perforated polyethylene film, polypropylene fibre) and date of its removal (2 and 3 weeks after plant emergence) on phosphorus and magnesium in tubers of early potato cultivars (Aksamitka, Cykada). The potatoes were harvested 60 days after planting. Accelerated plant growth under covering resulted in the phosphorus content in tubers of cv. Aksamitka being 0.088 g kg-1 d.m. higher in comparison with thecontrol, but did not affect the content of magnesium. With perforated film used to cover potato plants, an average content of phosphorus in tubers was by 0.217 g kg-1 d.m than when polypropylene fibre cover was applied. The content of magnesium in tubers was on average 0.067 g kg-1 d.m. higher under polypropylene fibre cover. Duration of the period when potato plants grew under cover did not significantly affect the phosphorus and magnesium accumulation in tubers.
J. B.Diatta, E. Chudzinska, S. Wirth
ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF SOILS IMPACTED BY A ZINC SMELTER ACTIVITY
Key words: metallurgy, heavy metal contamination, index of geoaccumulation, ontamination factor, degree of contamination.
Four metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) were assayed in soils within the impact zone of the Miasteczko Slaskie Zinc Smelter (southern Poland). The investigated area is afforested and has been subjected for a long time to intensive deposition of metal-bearing dusts. Soil pHKCl varied broadly from very acidic (pHKCl = 3.4) to slightly alkaline (pHKCl = 7.2). Organic carbon (Corg) content fluctuated within a large range, i.e., 5.5 – 66.4 g kg-1, whereas the cation exchange capacity (CEC) was in most cases markedly low (from 1.4 to 5.9 cmol(+)kg-1), with exception for two sites (C and D) exhibiting values of 26.8 and 15.1 cmol(+)kg-1, respectively. Total Zn, Pb and Cd contents exceeded manifold their respective levels in the Earth crust (reference value – RV)) as well as those suggested as background levels for Poland (BLP). The assessment of the contamination of soils by these metals was undertaken on the basis of geoaccumulation indices (Igeo), contamination factors and degrees of contamination (Cdeg). The overall metal contamination represented practically two classes: low contamination for Cu; considerable to extreme contamination (in ascending order) for Zn, Cd, and Pb. The contribution (BLP-based assessment) of each metal to the degree of contamination index varied from 2.14 % (for Cu), via 26.33% (for Zn) to quite equally for Cd and Pb, both representing 35.22% and 36.32, respectively. It is worth pointing out that copper was the sole metal to threaten the least (Figure 1) the soils of the investigated ecosystem.
Witold Grzebisz, Małgorzata Wrońska, Jean B. Diatta, Piotr Dullin
EFFECT OF ZINC FOLIAR APPLICATION AT AN EARLY STAGE OF MAIZE GROWTH ON PATTERNS OF NUTRIENTS AND DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION BY THE CANOPY. PART I. ZINC UPTAKE PATTERNS AND ITS REDISTRIBUTION AMONG MAIZE ORGANS
Keywords: relative uptake rate (RUR), crop uptake rate (CUR), zinc, maize.
As reported in the paper by Grzebisz et al. (this issue), maize crop treated foliarly with fertilizer zinc at early stages of growth produced significantly high yields. Growth analysis procedures were applied to explain various effects of fertilizer zinc on grain yield increase and zinc accumulation and redistribution among maize organs in the course of the growing season. Therefore, based on the obtained zinc uptake characteristics, two major and one minor, but time-separated hot spots of zinc accumulation by maize plants have been distinguished. The first one, as described by RUR-Zn data, extended from the BBCH-7 to BBCH-9 stages. The second one, as expressed by CUR-Zn data, appeared during the milk stage of kernels growth and could be decisive for kernels sink capacity for accumulating carbohydrates. A minor hot spot, which occurred at tasselling may be responsible for pollen production and activity. The first zinc hot spot has also revealed the diagnostic problem of soil and plant tests for zinc. Current tests tend to overestimate plant zinc nutritional status, and therefore need to be urgently revised. Vegetative organs such as leaves and stems were only the minor sources of zinc for developing maize kernels. During grain filling period, most zinc absorbed by maize plants originated from soil resources.
Witold Grzebisz, Małgorzata Wrońska, Jean B. Diatt1, Witold Szczepaniak
EFFECT OF ZINC FOLIAR APPLICATION AT AN EARLY STAGE OF MAIZE GROWTH ON PATTERNS OF NUTRIENTS AND DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION BY THE CANOPY. PART II. NITROGEN UPTAKE AND DRY MATTER ACCUMULATION PATTERNS
Key words: growth analysis, absolute
crop growth rate (CGR), relative plant growth rate (RGR),
maize, nitrogen, dry matter.
A two-year field trial was carried out in order to outline reasons of maize grain yield increase due to foliar application of zinc, and to evaluate its effects on the dynamics of nitrogen and dry matter accumulation in the course of the growing season. Growth analysis methods were applied to describe the trends exhibited by the canopy and plant’s growth. Maize plants fertilized with zinc were able to increase the rate of nitrogen uptake, as indicated by the values of absolute crop uptake rate for N (CUR-N), at two distinct time-separated phases of growth, i.e., (i) from 7th to 9th leaf and (ii) from milk to physiological maturity of kernels growth. Physiological processes occurring in these two time-separated phases resulted in an increase of maize yielding capacity. The effect of zinc as recorded in the first phase resulted in extension rate of new organs or tissues ingrowth, as confirmed by the RGR analysis. At the reproductive phase of maize growth, plants well supplied with zinc accumulated more nitrogen, which was a prerequisite for significantly higher rate of dry matter accumulation, as confirmed both by CGR and RGR analyses. The amount of extra nitrogen taken up by Zn treated plants was sufficiently high to increase grain yield by 1.5 t ha-1, which was achieved in the conducted experiment.
Krzysztof Gondek, Michał Kopeć
EFFECT OF LONG-TERM VARIOUS MINERAL FERTILIZATION AND LIMING ON THE CONTENT OF MANGANESE, NICKEL AND IRON IN SOIL AND MEADOW SWARD
Key words: manganese, nickel, iron, soil, meadow sward, long term experiment.
Research on grasslands is conducted to assess the yielding potential and determine changes of sward quality depending on applied fertilization. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the contents of manganese, nickel and iron in soil and meadow sward shaped under the influence of diversified mineral fer