Content Of Macroelements Research Articles

Olive Mill by-Products Thermochemical Conversion via Hydrothermal Carbonization and Slow Pyrolysis: Detailed Comparison between the Generated Hydrochars and Biochars Characteristics

In this research work, an ecofriendly approach was adopted for the treatment of two abundant liquid and solid agricultural wastes generated by olive mill industry: olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and raw olive pomace (ROP). It consists, firstly of the impregnation of ROP by OMWW and the conversion of the resulting impregnated sample (IROP) into hydrochars and biochars through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and slow pyrolysis methods, respectively. The impact of the treatment temperature on the physico-chemical properties of the derived chars was assessed by various analytical techniques. The hydrochars production yields were found to be higher than the biochars ones and associated to the lower temperature used. However, the generated biochars possess higher carbon percentage and lower volatile matter contents. In addition, the increase of the hydrothermal and pyrolysis carbonization temperatures shows an increase of macro-elements contents and a significant decrease of the O/C ratios which led to an enhancement of the high heating value for both hydrochars and biochars. The FTIR and Boehm titration analysis highlighted a significant alteration of the biochars surface chemistry compared to hydrochars evidenced by the lower amount of functional groups. The collected data emphasize on the efficient potential application of hydrochars and biochars for agricultural and environmental applications, respectively. Furthermore, it was noted that both chars have high energetic potentials and could be used for co-firing with coal in industrial boilers.

Leaf and Fruit Nutrient Concentration in Rojo Brillante Persimmon Grown under Conventional and Organic Management, and Its Correlation with Fruit Quality Parameters

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of the main macroelements in leaves and fruit grown following organic and conventional practices, and to relate them to physico-chemical parameters during commercial fruit harvests. Three samplings were carried out during fruit maturation. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined in leaves and in two fruit flesh areas: basal and apical. Weight, color, firmness, soluble tannins (ST), and total soluble solids (TSS) were also evaluated in fruit. During the study period, the lowering leaf N concentration was accompanied by its increment in flesh. Leaf P and K lowered but did not imply changes in these concentrations in fruit. N, P, and K concentrations were higher in the apical area than in the basal flesh. No changes in Ca concentration occurred in leaf, but Ca translocation from the basal to the apical area was detected in fruit. Management affected the concentrations of leaf K and Mg and the fruit N, P and Ca. The agronomic efficiency of the macronutrients in the organic crops was superior to that in the conventional crops. The Ca and Mg and the N/Ca and Ca/(K+Mg) ratios were closely related to color, firmness, TSS, and ST content.

Assessment and chemical analysis of macro elements, heavy metals, proximate compositions and pesticides contamination on rice cultivated from Kura LGA, Kano, Nigeria

Six rice brands BG-213, Notore, Das, Kwandala, Jeep and Jamila brands were collected from various locations in Kura local government area of Kano, Nigeria. Rice brands were analyzed for proximate compositions, macro elements, heavy metals and pesticides using standard analytical techniques. Results of proximate compositions analyses indicate that the average mean value of moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, ash content and crude fiber in rice brands were; 10.27, 9.17 3.82, 1.93 and 0.34 % respectively. The average mean concentrations of macro elements (Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg)) are; 53.5 mg/kg and 46 mg/kg, while mean levels of Heavy Metals: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were; 11.87, 4.04, 0.06, 0.00, 0.044 and 0.00 mg/kg respectively. Pearson Correlation Coefficient analysis performed on rice brands using MATLAB student version VI software shows results of macro elements and heavy metals were at a significant level of p≥0.05. The GC/MS analysis of organochlorine pesticides in rice brands revealed that the level of pesticides was below the detection limit (BDL) this indicates that brands of rice obtained from the Kura local government area were safe and free from heavy metals and pesticides contamination could be attributed to restriction or regulation for compliance on the application and economy because most of these pesticides are very costly.

Ornamental Date Palm and Sidr Trees: Fruit Elements Composition ‎and Concerns Regarding Consumption

ABSTRACT Ornamental date palm and sidr trees growing near or within urban areas are exposed to heavy metals (HMs) contamination. This study aimed to determine the elemental composition and HMs concentrations of fruits from ornamental date palm and sidr trees to evaluate their relative safety for human/animal consumption. The results showed that while these fruits contain varying quantities of essential nutrients (macro and trace elements), the concentrations of macro elements and trace elements in the fruits varied significantly depending on location. The concentrations levels were within the acceptable limits and thus safe. Heavy metals were also present in the fruits at different locations. The concentrations of the HMs were within the permissible limits in the majority of the locations, with the exception of some samples collected from sites with increased traffic density; which had lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), concentrations above the permissible limits. Washing the fruits reduced the load of HMs contamination in most of the samples; however, the concentrations were still above the maximum allowable limits (MAL) in highly contaminated samples. Accordingly, fruits produced by ornamental date palm and sidr trees may pose some risk for human and animal consumption depending on the location and contamination level of specific HMs.

REGULATION OF THE MACROELEMENT METABOLISM IN COWS DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF HIGHER NERVOUS ACTIVITY

REGULATION OF THE MACROELEMENT METABOLISM IN COWS DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF HIGHER NERVOUS ACTIVITY

Mineral Elements and Vitamins from Wild Wood Inhabiting Basidiocarps of Some Medicinal Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes) from India

Mushrooms are rich in various nutrients and secondary metabolites. In this study, the contents of macroelements, trace elements, and some nonessential elements of wild basidiocarps of Fuscoporia torulosa, Inonotus pachyphloeus, Phellinus allardii, Ph. fastuosus, Ph. gilvus, and Ph. sanfordii (Hymenochaetaceae) collected from India was determined with wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Vitamins A, C, D2, and E (α-tocopherol) contents were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography and titration methods. Ph. gilvus contained the highest number (n = 21) and highest content of most of the elements. The mushrooms were rich in microelements, including Ca (80-2610 mg/kg dw), Cl (39.63-240 mg/kg dw), K (246.7-2620 mg/kg dw), Mg (96.6-500 mg/kg dw), Na (9.56-56 mg/kg dw), P (39.5-126.7 mg/kg dw), and S (69.37-170 mg/kg dw). Many trace elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, V, and Zn) and some nonessential elements (Al, Ba, Br, Rb, Sr, Ti, and Zr) were also detected in the mushroom species tested. There was a significant (P < 0.05) correlation (r > 0.9) between Al and Fe as well as Cu and Ti pairs. Correlation data provide an indication of interrelations between any two elements. Among vitamins, C (9.32 mg/100 g dw) and D2 (1.55 mg/100 g dw) were found in the highest amount in F. torulosa, while the lowest vitamin contents were present in Ph. fastuosus and Ph. allardii, respectively. Vitamins A and E were below the quantification limits. These results will be beneficial in deciding on the amount of these mushrooms in nutraceutical and drug formulations.

Mineral Composition and Effect of Biochar on Preweaning Reproductive and Growth Performance in Cavy (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cavia porcellus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;)

In order to contribute to the improvement of the knowledge on the valorization of biochar as a feed additive in livestock, three biochar made from cassava peelings, bean tops and cocoa pods were manufactured. After analyzing their mineral composition, they were incorporated into rations at a rate of 0.8% in order to evaluate their effects on the performance of reproduction and pre-weaning growth in cavy (Cavia porcellus). The trials were conducted in the Research Unit of Animal Production and Nutrition (URPRONAN) of the University of Dschang, on 96 adult local breed cavy (from the first generation), including 80 females and 16 males aged 4 months and with an average weight of 400 ± 0.25 g. After 2 weeks of adaptation in the rearing boxes at the farm, the females were put in reproduction for a period of 31 days, the animals were divided into 04 batches of 20 females and 4 males. The animals in the control lot were fed a compound feed without biochar (T) while the others were fed the compound feed containing 0.8% of cassava peel biochar (EM), 0.8% of bean tops biochar (FH) and 0.8% of cocoa pod husks biochar (CC) respectively. The results of this study showed that the ash content (26%) and macro-element concentration were higher in the bean husk charcoal compared to the other charcoals and the trace elements were more concentrated in the cassava peel charcoal. The best fertility rate (87.5%) was obtained in animals receiving the ration containing organic cocoa pod charcoal. The highest abortion rate (63.16%) was obtained in the batch of animals receiving the ration containing organic bean husk charcoal. Pre-weaning mortality rates were comparable between the different rations. Piglet weights at birth were comparable between the different rations. At weaning, the highest average weight of the kids was recorded with the ration containing the organic bean charcoal (197.25 ± 46.9 g). The highest ADG (4.82 ± 0.74 g/d) and TG (101.25 g) were recorded in the batch of animals receiving the FH ration. Thus, the incorporation of 0.8% of the powder of organic coals seems to have adverse effects on reproductive performance. On the other hand, these coals significantly improve the pre-weaning growth performance in cavy.

Canned meat products for members of the Serbian armed forces: Na, K, Ca, and Mg content and health risks/benefits

Macroelements such as Na, K, Ca, and Mg play a significant physiological role, and their inadequate intake has been linked to severe diseases, such as high blood pressure. Data on risk assessment for human health in Serbia, from the intake of these macroelements through the consumption of canned food, are minimal. Therefore, the content of Na, K, Ca, and Mg in five types of canned meat that members of the Serbian Armed Forces regularly use was examined. Macroelements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in cans of beef goulash, pork ragout, spam, liver pate, and meatballs in tomato sauce, which were stored from one month to six years. The sodium content was significantly higher than the potassium content in all types of food, so the Na/K ratio below 1, desirable for good health, was not found in any of the analyzed products. Also, a significant number of samples had an unfavorable Ca/Mg ratio above 1. However, due to the low consumption of canned food by members of the Serbian Armed Forces, its contribution to the average daily intake of macroelements is almost negligible. The concentration of macroelements decreased with the shelf life, while a significant source of Ka and Mg, among analyzed ingredients, was ground red pepper.

Genetic diversity, polyphenolic composition and fruit quality trait phenotypic analyses of a Chilean heritage blood-flesh peach (Prunus persica L.)

This study reports the genetic diversity among Chilean heritage blood-flesh peaches and the characterization of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds present in these fruits. A genetic diversity analysis using 7,934 SNP markers was performed. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho=0.09) was very low in the 75 Chilean blood-flesh peach trees, whereas 14 commercial peach varieties had significantly higher levels of heterozygosity (Ho=0.32). Furthermore, the blood-flesh peach lines were genetically similar, and all of these lines were genetically different from the commercial varieties. A comparative analysis was carried out between the epicarp and mesocarp of the peach fruits. Fruit quality parameters were evaluated at harvest (weight, size, firmness and soluble solids), and concentrations of total polyphenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, as were macro (P, K, Ca, Mg) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, B, Cu). These analyses showed that blood-flesh peaches have high concentrations of anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R)) when compared to commercial varieties with white or yellow mesocarps. A comparison was performed among Chinese, French and Chilean varieties, with similar values found for the antioxidant compounds. No significant differences in the microand macroelement contents were detected in these blood-flesh fruits compared to commercial varieties.

Soil horizon-dependent heavy metals, and micro-and macro-elements distributions: A case study of Futoški park (Novi Sad, Serbia)

We analyzed macro-(Ca, Mg, and K) and microelements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soil from three depths that correspond to different soil horizons (0-60, 61-75, and 76-160 cm) from three sites in Futoški park (Novi Sad, Serbia), which was measured by using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). In this study, we tested the influence of spatial arrangement and soil depth on the variation of micro-and macro-element contents using (i) two-way ANOVA with the site, soil depth, and their interactions as dependent variables, (ii) Tukey post-hoc test (for p&lt;0.05), and (iii) principal component analyzes (PCA). Except for Cd, all measured samples are below of the limit value prescribed by the Serbian national legislation. Likewise, Cr is very close to the maximum allowed amount. According to the results of two-way ANOVA statistics, sites, soil depth, as well as their interaction statistically significantly influenced the content of all examined macro-and micro-elements in the analyzed soils. Following the PCA (which covers ˃90% of samples), surface horizons deviate from all three sites, and stronger deviations between the first and the other two horizons which are very similar were noted. In detail, on the surface horizon higher concentrations of K, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn were detected, opposite to Ca, Cd, and Mg.

Különböző fűszerekkel dúsított kenyerek makroelem tartalmának meghatározása és hozzájárulásuk a táplálkozási referencia értékhez

Many studies are published on food fortification, as the production, testing and consumption of functional foods has become a central issue these days. Bread is one of our important staple foods, and we also regularly eat various spices. Bread may also contain spices. In the course of our work, bread recipes containing different spices in different quantities were developed. In this study, the macroelement content of seven spices (basil, dill, oregano, caraway, chives, rosemary and garlic granules) and 42 fortified breads were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), and their contribution to the nutrient reference value (NRV) was calculated. Based on the measured concentrations, higher element contents were measured in the spices used by us compared to the values of other studies. Outstanding results values were determined in basil, dill, oregano and chives. In the case of breads, the calcium, potassium and magnesium content of the products made with the above-mentioned spices was higher than the data found in the literature. Taking into account the results, it was possible to produce macroelement-containing products that contribute to the body’s daily macroelement needs more than usual.

FUNCTIONAL AND NUTRACEUTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CINNAMON

Cinnamon has been using as a fragrant plant and spice. Cinnamon is a member of family Lauraceae. Cinnamon has been used as a traditional medicine to reduce blood glucose level in diabetes and to control Blood pressure, Tumor Growth, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Cinnamon nutritional composition revealedthat it contained a significant value of mineral, vitamins, and the main bioactive component is cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon caloric content was determined as ofcarbohydrate (CHO), protein, fat, fiber, moisture and ash. Cinnamon contained the uppermost amount of carbohydrate(53.37%) in T1 and the lowermost amount of ash (1.25%) in T3. The mineral content of macro-elements and micro-elements were determined fromchromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and sodium (Na). The content of minerals in Cinnamon contained the highest amount of potassium (135.2) in T1 and the lowest sodium in T2. The content of vitaminsin Cinnamon contained the fat-solubleand water-soluble vitamins A, K, E, D, β-caroteneand C, B12, B9, B6, B3, B2, B1were determined. Amongst the vitamins, cinnamon contained the uppermostvalue ofβ-carotene (112) and the lowermostvalue of vitamin B6 (0.158). Bioactive compounds of Cinnamon were determined cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, β-caryophyllene and coumarin. Among the bioactive compounds in Cinnamon contained the uppermostvalue of cinnamaldehyde (64.56). The antioxidant capacity of cinnamon bark extract was (49 μg/mL). Conclusively,cinnamon is enriched with nutritional values. So, it can be used in the treatment of various disease.

Yield of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L. var. napus) in a Short-Term Monoculture and the Macronutrient Accumulation in Relation to the Dose and Method of Sulphur Application

The objective of this study was to assess the yield efficiency of sulphur-enhanced fertilisers, depending on the dose and application method, in a short-lived (three-year) monoculture of winter oilseed rape under the climate and soil conditions of south-eastern Poland. The experiment was carried out between 2010 and 2013 on winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. napus) of the Orlando variety, fertilised with different sulphur doses—0, 20, 40 or 60 kg S ha−1 applied in different method—soil application sowing, foliar application in the spring, and soil application sowing + foliar application in the spring (combined application). Following the harvest, seed and straw yields and the content of macroelements (N, S, P, K, Ca and Mg) in the seed and straw samples were determined. The harvest indices were also established for each of these elements. The impact of sulphur on winter oilseed rape yield depended significantly on both the dose and the application method. Even at the lowest dose (20 kg·ha−1), sulphur materially increased seed yield, regardless of the application method. With autumn soil application and foliar application, differences between the lowest dose and the higher doses (40 and 60 kg·ha−1) were not significant. However, with combined application, the highest dose (60 kg·ha−1) significantly increased yield compared to the lower doses. In general, all the fertilisation approaches significantly increased the N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents compared to the control sample, but the differences between them were not substantial. Each of the sulphur application approaches decreased the harvest index for sulphur. The foliar application of each of the doses decreased the harvest indices for N, P, K and Ca. The soil application of 20 kg·ha−1, and the mixed application of 40 and 60 kg·ha−1, all increased the harvest indices for P, K and Ca.

Effect of body size on the concentration of two essential macro elements (Calcium and Magnesium) in wild Eutropiichthys vacha from Indus River, Taunsa Barrage, Pakistan

Fish is primary protein source for human being in the universe. Overall 50 fish specimen of Eutropiithys vacha were collected from Indus River, Head Tounsa, Pakistan to check the effect of calcium and magnesium in the fish by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in fish showed highly significant correlation between size (weight and length) and body burden of E. vacha. Calcium and magnesium, showed isometric relationships with body weight of wild E. vacha, indicating increase of concentrations of Ca and Mg in direct proportion to an increase in body weight of E. vacha. While Ca and Mg showed negative allometric relation in increasing fish length suggesting that these metals accumulate at a smaller proportion compared to its excretion rate as the E. vacha increases in length. Condition factor for E. vacha ranged from 0.447 to 0.930 and remained constant with metal concentrations in wet weight of the fish. The result displayed that the concentration of macroelements (Ca and Mg) in the examined fish sample were significantly affected by fish size.

Влияние защитных лесных насаждений и приемов обработки почвы на агрофизические свойства каштановых почв и урожайность сельскохозяйственных культур

The article presents the results of many years research on the complex effect of basic tillage and shelterbelts methods on the content of macroelements in the soil, the conditions of water supply and the formation of the spring barley yield on zonal light-chestnut soils.

Changes in the concentrations of selected toxic and essential elements in ewe milk from area with a potentially undisturbed environment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactation on the concentration of selected essential and toxic elements in sheep milk from an area of Slovakia with a potentially undisturbed environment and to find out the actual contamination of the selected area, in the aspect of its environmental character. The research was conducted with 400 sheep (Tsigai breed), and the milk samples were taken during the lactation periods (early, middle and late lactation stage). Sheep were reared on the extensive pastures, reared indoors afterward, fed with pasture ad libitum. Milk samples were collected after morning and afternoon milking. The samples of milk were analysed toxic and essential elements (Ca, Se, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) by the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The macro elements concentration in milk changes following the stages of lactation (p&lt;0.05). There was found that Ca milk concentration increased gradually in the following stages of lactation while Mg, Se, and Fe only in the last stage of lactation. The Zn concentration in milk was the highest during summer (p&lt;0.05). Simultaneously the contents of essential elements (Cu) and toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) in milk were very low, below the limit of quantification. In conclusion, ewe's milk from potentially analysed areas of Slovakia is safe and poses no risk to consumer health, and is suitable for use directly or in dairy processing.

The effect of biodynamic preparations on growth and fruit quality of giant pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima D.)

BackgroundFood quality of agricultural crops depends on environmental conditions, production system and cultivation method. A plant-based nutrition with food rich in vitamins, minerals and secondary plant compounds with antioxidative properties promotes human health. This investigation was inspired by an increasing global issue on how to improve product quality while using alternative preparations. The main aim of a 3-year study was to investigate the influence of fermented manure and silica products on yield and nutritive components in peel, fruit and seeds of three pumpkin cultivars. In four replicates as block design, the effects of individually as well as combined application of biodynamic horn manure and horn silica preparation were compared to a control variant.ResultsHorn manure application significantly increased total and marketable yield. Marketable yield, contents of macroelements, total carotenoids, single carotenoids (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, ß-carotene) and antioxidants (catechins, total phenols, leuco-anthocyanins) were significantly increased by horn silica use. The combination of both biodynamic preparations had a significantly increasing effect on total and marketable yield, net photosynthetic productivity, dry matter content and total and single carotenoid contents (lutein + zeaxanthin, lycopene, ß-carotene).ConclusionsThe pumpkin trial results indicated a general growth-promoting effect by horn manure, a quality-enhancing effect by horn silica and a compensatory effect through both preparations on a high qualitative level. In accordance with other investigations, these effects did not occur in the same way in all plant species. Therefore, the effects of the biodynamic preparations should be tested in further trials on a plant species-specific basis.Graphic abstract

Magnetic field effects on the magnetic properties, germination, chlorophyll fluorescence, and nutrient content of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

The magnetic field (MF) interacts with biological systems and has the potential to increase germination, plant growth and productivity. Although it is known as a low cost and promising approach, the mechanism that increases growth is not fully understood yet. In this study, the effect of different MF strengths (20, 42, 125, and 250 mT) was investigated on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). In addition to phenological parameters, possible cell damage, electron transport rate, chlorophyll fluorescence, magnetic character and elemental status of tissues were determined. Results showed that lower strengths (≤125 mT) of MF treatment improve germination. Confocal microscopy analyzes revealed MF-induced cell membrane damage in roots that could alter the elemental content of tissues. Elemental analyzes found that the content of macroelements (Ca, Mg, P, and K) are gradually reduced with increasing MF forces; in opposite the microelement contents (Fe, B, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Mo) are increased in roots. Diamagnetism is the dominant magnetic character in all root and leaf samples. However, the roots became surprisingly superparamagnetic in 250 mT application. It seems that MF treatment at higher strength (250 mT in this study) could influence the orientation of magnetic moments. These findings suggest that MF application: i) can alter the magnetic character of plants, ii) enhances the germination, photosynthetic machinery, and growth, and iii) affects the nutrient uptake and abundance in tissues, depending on the MF strength. This comprehensive study can help in understanding the interaction of magnetic field with plants.

Efficiency of nutrient solutions with different concentration in the cultivation of white cabbage seedlings

Fertilizers help to fill the missing nutritional elements for plants and affect their growth and the future crop. The paper presents the results of conducted studies on the effect of nutrient solution concentration on morphological and biochemical indicators of white cabbage seedlings. The seedlings of two early-ripe cabbage hybrids – Mirror F1 and Tiara F1 – were grown in peat substrate trays. A nutrient solution of 50 ppm (No.1) and 150 ppm (No.2) was used to feed the seedlings twice during the growing period. The obtained results showed the differences in experimental variants in terms of the height of seedling plants, the number of leaves and leaf-area duration, the weight and volume of the root system, total solids, content of sugar, ascorbic acid. The varietal reaction of cabbage seedlings to the introduction of root feeds with different concentrations was revealed. The nutrient solution No. 2 of hybrid plants Mirror F1 stimulated the development of roots, their weight exceeded the control indicators (without fertilizers) by 37.3%, and the volume – by 37.8%, contributed to the increase of the content of solids (8.27%), general sugar (0.53%), ascorbic acid (78.79 mg%). When fed with nutrient solution No. 2 the seedlings of Tiara F1 hybrid were characterized by a large leaf-area duration, which exceeds the control by 1.3 times, and the indicators of the root system. The plants of this seedlings consisted of 49.5% of the root system. The chemical analysis of water in greenhouse farming for irrigation of plants showed that it contains various macro- and microelements that are necessary for the growth of vegetable seedlings. The concentration of the nutrient solution did not significantly affect the content of macroelements in the seedlings. When using nutrient solution No. 2, an increase in the plants of the two studied phosphorus hybrids was noted, a deficit of which is very often observed when growing seedlings.

The influence of foliar fertilization of maiden pear trees and soaking the root system of the rootstocks in hydrogel with the addition of Trifender WP preparation on the growth of maiden quince trees in a nursery

The comparison of the influence of foliar fertilization with four preparations on the growth of ‘Conference’ maiden pear trees growing on MA quince rootstock was conducted in a nursery in a three-year period. The evaluation was conducted on the basis of maidens growth parameters and the state of their leaf minerals content as well as on photosynthetic activity of the maiden trees. The preparations used in the experiment affected the improvement of some growth parameters studied, especially the stem diameter and fresh mass of the maidens. Biopuls Original turned out to be the best preparation as it improved significantly three out of five studied growth parameters. A varied impact of the preparations used on the content of micro and macro-elements in leaves was detected. All tested preparations positively influenced the leaves area index of maiden trees except for Blackjak preparation. Photosynthetic intensity of maiden pear trees nourished through leaves was significantly smaller in comparison with the control. Only plants treated with Biopulus Original were characterized by a higher concentration of CO2 and its level in intercellular space. The aim of the second experiment was to check the influence of the application of Trifender WP preparation with hydrogel on the growth of ‘Champion’ maiden quince trees at the stage of planting the rootstocks into a nursery. A better branching of the rootstocks was obtained after the use of the preparation with hydrogel and the hydrogel alone. The trees in these combinations were also characterized by bigger fresh and dry mass of the leaves. The influence of Trifinder WP applied in connection with hydrogel was the best.