Abstract
In modern agriculture, besides providing high and stable yields, it is imperative to produce products with a high nutritive quality. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of different fertilization regimes on the macro- and micronutrients in beetroot. A 3-year field trial was set up according to a Latin square method with four types of fertilization (unfertilized control, 50 t stable manure ha−1, and 500 and 1,000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha−1). The mineral content was determined as follows (mg 100 g−1 in fresh weight of beetroot): 14–29 P, 189–354 K, 18–34 Ca, 17–44 Mg, 0.67–1.83 Fe, 0.41–0.65 Mn and 0.28–0.44 Zn. The highest beetroot P content was determined for the treatment with stable manure, especially in a year with dry climatic conditions. The highest beetroot K content was determined for the treatment with 1,000 kg NPK 5-20-30 ha−1, but at the same time for the same treatment, a general decreasing trend of micronutrient content was determined, due to the possible antagonistic effect of added potassium. For better mineral status of beetroot, application of combined mineral and organic fertilizers supplemented with additional foliar application of micronutrients can be suggested.
Highlights
Today, the challenge is no longer the production of agricultural products that are high-yielding only, and those that have high quality, especially nutritional
No kind of fertilization in this study showed a positive effect on calcium and magnesium uptake by beetroot, so the highest average content was determined for the control treatment
The highest phosphorus, potassium and calcium content was found in beetroot grown at Hrvatsko Polje in 2004 under favourable climatic conditions
Summary
The challenge is no longer the production of agricultural products that are high-yielding only, and those that have high quality, especially nutritional. Efficient vegetable production is based on large investments, including in fertilizers, and optimizing plant nutrition is essential in achieving high yields and product quality. Imbalances of all nutrients can increase the risk of environmental damage [1] as well as reduce plant growth. A well-nourished plant can provide enough minerals for human nutrition, which can be achieved by optimal fertilization following the rules of good agricultural practices.
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