Content Of Macroelements Research Articles

Evaluation of nutritional value, bioactivity and mineral content of quinoa bran in China and its potential use in the food industry

Quinoa bran is a by-product during quinoa processing, which is not well used due to its high content of antinutritional factors. The nutritional, antinutritional, antioxidative and mineral content were analyzed in quinoa bran from five producing areas (Hebei, Shanxi, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia and Gansu Province) in China. The results showed that the mean values of protein, starch, fat, fiber, reducing sugar, ash, moisture and energy in quinoa bran were 9.35%, 47.37%, 8.26%, 10.74%, 3.68%, 6.25%, 9.29% and 360.2 kcal/100 g, respectively. Although the protein content in quinoa bran is lower than that in quinoa grain, it is comparable to that in other grains (rice, corn, millet and sorghum) and brans (wheat, oat and rice), so it has the commercial potential to be processed into animal feed or other edible food. The contents of antioxidant flavonoids (460.9 mg/100g) and polyphenols (477.8 mg/100 g) in quinoa bran were higher than those in quinoa grain, suggesting that quinoa bran had better antioxidant capacity. The contents of saponins, tannins and phytic acid in quinoa bran were 18.65, 0.30 and 0.73%, respectively. The content of saponins was nearly one times higher than that in quinoa grain, the contents of tannins and phytic acid, however, were lower than those in quinoa grain. Therefore, the removal of saponins is the key to eliminate the antinutritional properties of quinoa bran. The contents of macroelements (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus) and microelements (iron, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, selenium, barium) in quinoa bran were generally higher than those in quinoa grain, which was consistent with the results of ash determination. In summary, quinoa bran was found to be a rich source of nutritional and bioactive components and minerals. If the antinutritional problem can be overcome, quinoa bran has great potential for application in the food industry.

Influence of cultivar and fertilization treatment on bioactive content of some apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars

The paper presents the chemical composition of the fruits of three apple cultivars (Jonagold Decosta, Red Idared and Gala Schnitzer Schniga) fertilized with three treatment: T$_{1}$ (control-without fertilization); T$_{2}$ (300 kg/ha NPK (6:18:36) + 150 kg/ha N (calcium ammonium nitrate-CAN)) and T3 (foliar nutrition-mixture organic-mineral fertilizer commercially named 'FitoFert Kristal' (0.6%) (10:40:10) + 'FitoFert Kristal' (0.6%) (20:20:20) + 'FoliFetril Ca' (0.5%) (N:Ca) in Bosnia and Herzegovina during two years (2020-2021). Significant differences of contents of soluble solids, total sugars, inverted sugars, sucrose, total phenolic content, content of flavonoids and antioxidant activity were found among cultivar/treatment combinations, cultivars, treatments and years. Differences in total acids content among treatments and years were not statistically significant, but significant differences among cultivars and cultivar/treatment combinations were found. The contents of soluble solids, total sugars and sucrose were the highest in fruits of cultivar Jonagold Decosta, while the highest contents of inverted sugars, total acids, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were found in fruits of Red Idared cultivar. The fertilization treatment T2 significantly influenced the content of soluble solids, total sugars, inverted sugars, total acids, total phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in the apple fruits. According to the results obtained, we can say that fertilization treatment T3 do not have much effect on bioactive ingredients, with the exception of the sucrose content. Among mineral elements, four were macroelements that were represented present in large amounts: potassium (K) (1266.15 mg kg$^{-1}$ to 1652.89 mg kg$^{-1}$), calcium (Ca) (122.76-474.90 mg kg$^{-1}$), phosphor (P) (86.14-124.84 mg kg$^{-1}$) and magnesium (Mg) (57.36-70.68 mg kg$^{-1}$). On the other hand, four microelements were determined: boron (B) (1.06-14.25 mg kg$^{-1}$); iron (Fe) (2.79-4.62 mg kg$^{-1}$); manganese (Mn) (0.27-0.46 mg kg$^{-1}$) and zinc (Zn) (0.15-0.48 mg kg$^{-1}$). Results showed that contents of macroelements and microelements have been strongly affected by cultivar/treatment combinations, cultivars, treatments and years.

Soil - to - leaf relationship in micro and macroelements content on the vineyard microlocation

The conducted research aims to ascertain the variations in macro and microelement content within the soil-to-leaf relationship in small vineyards. The vineyard block (1.2 ha), located in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, planted with Grasac (Riesling Italico), was divided into 20 subplots. Each subplot served as an individual location for soil and leaf sampling. Soil samples were collected at three depths, while leaf sampling occurred at two phenophase (end of flowering and at ripening), with separation into petiole and blade parts. Vari?ability of soil physico-chemical characteristics between subplots was determinate, with the greatest variability in the 30-60 cm soil layer. The soil generally displayed low levels of organic matter and available P, K, Zn and B. Erosion processes were indicated by the spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters. Differences in nutrient contents were noted among leaf parts and phenophases, aligning with existing literature. Comparing leaf nutrient status to optimal values from literature, N and P content was found at lower limits, confirming K and B deficiencies. Identically, fertilization recommendations can be inferred from soil and foliar analyses, primarily for N, K and B. Additionally, based on soil analysis, a slight increase in P and Zn application is advisable. Established correlations among all observed variables revealed connections between soil parameters, across all depths, and nutrients in the leaf blade at the end of flowering. It is notable to say that nutrient content in soil, particularly N, K, Mn and Zn, exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with its content in the leaf blade, respectively. Further research is necessary to lay the foundation for the development of ac?curate and reliable criteria for diagnosing nutrition, not only for the whole species but also among grapevine leading varieties. Given the significant variations in nutrient requirements and accumulation among these genotypes, this research will be instrumental in ensuring op?timal nutrient supply while minimizing deficiencies or excesses.

The content of nutrients and biogenic elements in enriched artemia salina

The work is devoted to the development of technology for enriching artemia with biologically active substances. The development of technology for enriching artemia with biologically active substances is important as an opportunity to obtain starter feeds for aquaculture with the desired properties. High content of high-grade protein, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, biogenic elements is of great importance. During artificial cultivation of artemia in a closed cycle in the conditions of aquaculture, there is a problem of sufficient accumulation of substances in its body that provide high nutritional and biological value. To solve this problem, we have developed a technology for enriching artemia with biologically active substances at the nauplium stage. The enrichment of artemia with vitamins, amino acids, probiotics, adaptogens, essential lipids allows us to create a new generation of bio-feeds containing a living symbiotic microbiota and ingredients capable of forming balanced complex of functional nutrition for fish. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological and energy value, the content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, moisture, ash, micro- and macroelements, heavy metals in artemia at different stages of ontogenesis against the background of its enrichment with a complex of biologically active substances. Intact and enriched cysts, intact and enriched decapsulated artemia eggs, enriched artemia nauplii were analyzed. It was found that against the background of enrichment with biologically active substances, the indicators of metabolic energy increased, the mass fraction of crude protein, the mass fraction of fat and the content of minerals and biogenic elements increased.

ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF EDAPHOTOPES OF POST-TECHNOGENIC AREAS OF SULFUR QUARRIES

The results of the research of the peculiarities of morphological structure development and change in chemical indicators of edaphotopes of embriozems and technozems on the post-technogenic lands at the Yavoriv and Podorozhnie sulfur quarries were described in the article. During 30 years after intensive sulfur mining was stopped and mines closure under the influence of various environmental and human-caused factors significant changes of disturbed soils characteristics occured within the sulfur quarries. It was established that soil cover of post-technogenic areas was represented by special combinations of various types of embriozem soils (initial, organic and accumulative, humus and accumulative, and dernozem). The most widespread embriozem soils are organic and accumulative, which are developing at the organic substances accumulation stage in the surface layer. Embriozem and technozem soils of the Yavoriv quarry belong to the dense type of soil with soil density index of (d1) 0,96–1,57 g/cm3. Solid phase density (d2) is 2.21–2.60 g/cm3, which corresponds to low-humus mineral horizons with bare horizon and its values are close to the natural background of zonal soils of the disturbed landscapes. Based on the hydrogenous index pH (8.0–8.9) emrbiozem soils are alkaline; and technozem soils with pH7.6 are regarded as slightly alkaline.The level of values of indicator of hydrolytic acidity of soils on post-technogenic areas is high (0,185–0,615 mg-CaCO3/100 g), which is 2.6 times higher than in zonal soils. During almost 30 years period, as a result of natural processes humus content in embriozem soils increased up to 0.29–0.61%, in technozem soils – 0.83–1.47%. The content of mobile forms of nitrogen in edaphotopes of the Yavoriv and Podorozhnie sulfur quarries fluctuates from 18.9 to 112.3 mg/kg of soil and from 13.7 to 54.5 mg/kg of soil, respectively. During 2011–2021, the increased content and accumulation of main macroelements in embriozem and technozem soils of the both quarries were recorded.

Procena sadržaja makro, mikro i toksičnih elemenata u zemljištu srpskih planina multivarijantnom analizom

The goal of this investigation was to assess the presence, content and limit concentrations of macro elements of plant nutrition, trace elements, and potentially toxic elements in the soil. The research was carried out in Kopaonik, Crni Vrh and Mokra Gora during the period 2020-2022 on the different depths. Samples were prepared by microwave digestion with mixture of mineral acids. Concentration of extractedelements were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The method of sample preparation is very important for the successful determination of elements because it is a very complex matrixChemometric approach was applied to explain the distribution of elements and potentially toxic elements in the soil by location and sampling depth. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis have proven to be excellent tools for reducing the number of measurements and for grouping data by parameters and by sampling location. Research has shown that there was no major soil contamination with toxic metals in the selected areas.

Chemical composition of winter pea plants in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Topicality. When new crop varieties or cultivars are introduced into production, their chemical composition should be studied, since the latter depends on the climatic conditions of the region and cultivation technologies. Therefore, the study of the peculiarities of the formation of macro- and microelements composition of a new variety of winter peas in the climatic conditions of the Southern Steppe is advisable. Purpose. To evaluate the chemical composition of winter pea and the distribution of macro- and microelements in the structural parts of plants depending on their development stages in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Samples of winter peas were selected by development stages in stationary and temporary experiments, as well as in production and testing crops of agricultural farms of the Odesa region. The following methods were used: laboratory method to determine content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements; statistical method to perform correlation, analysis of variance and statistical evaluation of research results. Results. The paper presents the data on the chemical composition of winter pea cultivated in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. The peculiarities of accumulation and distribution of macro- and microelements by the leaf-stem mass, grain and roots of winter pea are established. It was found that the rate of toxic elements accumulation in the vegetative mass of pea plants increased and decreased when they moved from plant leaves and stems to grain. Conclusions. The average content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and microelements in grain and by-products of winter pea in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine were determined. We found significant changes in the microelement composition of the leaves and stems, grain and roots of winter pea. A higher variability of microelement content (12.7–70.7 %) was noted in contrast to the macroelement content (7.7–48.3 %). The low resistance of root barriers to the entry of Cd and Pb toxicants into the aboveground organs of winter pea over the entire growing season and the high intensity of the leaf-stem mass resistance to the absorption of these metals by grain were determined. Key words: winter peas, microelements, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, content

Variability in the Chemical Composition of Spring Waters in the Postomia River Catchment (Northwest Poland)

The paper presents the results of physicochemical analyses of spring waters in the Postomia River valley (Northwest Poland). Multivariate statistical methods, i.e., cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to assess the spatial distribution of similarities and differences in the concentrations of individual elements. Concentrations of macro elements (MEs), trace elements (TEs) and rare-earth elements (REEs) were analysed concerning the spring’s typology, land use structure and the distance from roads. The results showed that the springs waters are of the Ca2+-HCO3− and Ca2+-HCO3−-SO42− types, medium hardness and low mineralisation. The study revealed differences between valley springs and scarp-foot springs in terms of electrical conductivity and concentrations of F−, SO42−, NO3−, Mg2+, Ba, Zn, and U. Greater variability was observed between the physical and chemical conditions of the spring waters due to their location in terms of land use. Springs located in agricultural areas had lower pH values than those in other areas, and higher NO3− concentrations. The pH values and concentrations of Fe, Mo, Rb, and Th in urban areas were higher than in agricultural areas. Moreover, the concentrations of F−, Cl−, K+, Na+, Mo, Sb, Se, and Sr were higher in urban areas than in forested areas. The study shows that only HCO3− values and SO42− concentrations were related to the distance from the road network. The concentrations of Cl−, SO42−, and K+ were higher in the waters of springs located more than 50 m from the road network. The Ca and PCA analysis did not permit the identification of a single dominant origin of pollutants, suggesting an interaction of different types of pollution sources.

The Examination of Remodeling Processes of Hard Periodontal Tissues in Rats with Disorders of Pancreatic Incretory Function

Topicality. Pancreatic hormones play an important role in the process of remodeling of hard periodontal tissues. Violations of carbohydrate metabolism that occur under conditions of isolated insulin resistance (IR) and in combination with iodine deficiency (ID) can be the cause of dysmetabolic disorders of mineralization/demineralization physiological system of tooth-maxillary complex.
 The aim. To study the changes of remodeling processes of hard periodontal tissues in rats with isolated IR and impaired glucose tolerance against the background of ID.
 Materials and methods. The examination was carried on 90 male rats, which were divided into three groups: control (intact animals), group of rats with IR under conditions of adequate iodine supply, and with IR against the background of ID. The system of carbohydrate metabolism was studied by the level of insulin in blood serum, glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of blood with the following calculation of HOMA-IR index. The processes of mineralization/demineralization were detected by the content of calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper in cementum of tooth root and alveolar process, and by the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatases in blood serum.
 Results. Keeping of animals on a high-fructose diet led to the development of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (increase blood glucose and HbA1c levels, blood serum insulin, HOMA-IR index) and changes of remodeling processes in hard periodontal tissues (decrease the level of calcium, magnesium and manganese against the background of increase the zinc content in cementum of tooth root; decrease the content of macroelements in alveolar process; activation of acid phosphatase against the background of inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity). The development of combined endocrinopathy was accompanied by more pronounced changes of studied parameters.
 Conclusions. The violation of glucose tolerance against the background of ID slows down the mineralization processes of hard periodontal tissues mainly due to the intensification of osteoresorptive processes.
 Keywords: acid and alkaline phosphatases; calcium homeostasis; bioelement panel of tooth-maxillary system; insulin resistance; iodine deficiency.

Short-Term Effect of Fly Ash from Biomass Combustion on Spring Rape Plants Growth, Nutrient, and Trace Elements Accumulation, and Soil Properties.

The short-term impact of biomass combustion fly ashes (BAs) fertilization on the spring rape growth, essential and trace elements accumulation in seeds, and selected soil and soil solution properties were analyzed in a pot experiment study. The pot experiment was carried out in the growing season (April-August) during the year 2018. The effect of BAs on the dry matter content in spring rape plants and the relative content of chlorophyll in leaves (SPAD) was analyzed. In addition, the effect of BAs on the accumulation of essential and trace elements in the seeds of this plant was analyzed. The impact of BAs on the basic physicochemical properties of soils was also assessed. Additionally, the solubility of compounds contained in BAs was monitored on the basis of the analysis of the changes in the physicochemical properties of soil solution during the experiment period. The present study demonstrated a positive effect of BAs fertilization on plant growth and development and improvement of soil physicochemical properties. A change has been achieved in the soil reaction class from a slightly acidic (control, NPK) to neutral (D1-D6), with the highest increase in pH induced by the highest ash dose of 3 mg ha-1 (D6). It was shown that BAs contributed to a significant increase in the content of macroelements than trace elements in the analyzed soil. In turn, the accumulation of these elements in plant seeds exhibited an inverse relationship, which was mainly influenced by the soil pH and the content of N, Ca, Mg, K, and Na in the soil, as indicated by the correlation coefficients. The highest contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni were detected in the seeds of plants fertilized with BAs at a dose of 2.0 Mg ha-1 (D4), and their respective values were 263, 363, 107, 51, 1835, and 137% higher than in the control. The Ca, Mg, S, and Na compounds introduced with BAs exhibited high solubility, as evidenced by the higher concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and SO42- ions in the soil solutions and the dynamic changes in pH and EC observed during the experiment. The lowest solubility after the application of BAs was exhibited by N and P. The conducted PCA analysis to a large extent explained the variability between the applied fertilization and the factors analyzed in the experiment. Despite the positive impact of ashes, attention should be paid to the potential risks associated with their use. The use of higher doses of BAs may result in excessive alkalization and salinity of soils and may enhance the accumulation of trace elements in plants. These aspects should therefore be closely monitored, especially in the case of a long-term application of these wastes, in order to avoid serious environmental problems.

Development of New Food Products from Millet

Proper nutrition can give us health , longevity and beauty . It assumes that the body regularly needs the necessary amount and many nutrients such as proteins , carbohydrates , fats , water , minerals , vitamins should be supplied in optimal proportions . In Kazakhstan, wheat is industrially produced only millet and semi-artisanal products such as " tari ", " talkan " and " zhent " are produced . And wheat is an ideal product that can be attributed to the right raw materials , since the fact that it does not contain gluten , the raw materials are rich in B vitamins and protein . The research and development of the technology of the national cereal product talkan , creates an opportunity to expand the range of products , enrich the food market and the consumer's diet with a new cereal product rich in irreplaceable components , and developed taking into account forgotten original traditions and national culture . The analysis was carried out in the laboratory of Almaty Technological University. The calculated part of the finished product was analyzed to determine the chemical composition , the content of micro and macroelements . We have developed the technology of PN Talkan preserving all the useful properties . At the stage of approval of regulatory and technical documents for the production of PN Talkan . In this research work , the traditional product was improved in a new , most useful format . The technology of low-calorie millet talkan has been developed .

Utilization of Ashes from Biomass Combustion

Biomass is one of the most important sources of renewable energy in the energy industry. It is assumed that by 2050 the global energy deposit could be covered in 33–50% of biomass combustion. As with conventional fuels, the combustion of biomass produces combustion by-products, such as fly ash. Therefore, along with the growing interest in the use of biomass as a source of energy, the production of ash as a combustion by-product increases every year. It is estimated that approximately 476 million tons of ashes per year can be produced from biomass combustion. For example, the calorific value of dry wood mass tends to be between 18.5 MJ × kg−1 and 19.5 MJ × kg−1, while the ash content resulting from thermal treatment of wood is from 0.4 to 3.9% of dry fuel mass. However, biomass ash is a waste that is particularly difficult to characterize due to the large variability of the chemical composition depending on the biomass and combustion technology. In addition, this waste is, on the one hand, a valuable fertilizer component, as it contains significant amounts of nutrients, e.g., calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and microelements, but on the other hand, it may contain toxic compounds harmful to the environment, including heavy metals and substances formed as a result of combustion, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). PAHs and VOCs are formed mainly in the processes of incomplete combustion of coal and wood in low-power boilers, with unstable operating conditions. However, it is important to remember that before the fly ash is used in various industries (e.g., zeolite synthesis, recovery of rare earth metals or plastic production) as an additive to building materials or fertilizers for cultivation, a number of analyses are to be conducted so that the by-products of combustion could be used to allow the by-product of combustion to be used. It is important to conduct tests for the content of heavy metals, chlorides, sulphates, microelements and macroelements, grain and phase composition and organic compounds. If such ash is characterized by low pollution levels, it should be used in agriculture and reclamation of degraded land and not directed to landfills where it loses its valuable properties. The purpose of this review is to present the properties of ashes generated as a result of biomass combustion in Poland and the world, to discuss factors influencing changes in its composition and to present the possibilities of their reuse in the environment and in various branches of industry.

Biogeochemical Features of Landscapes of the Nadym Region of YANAO

The purpose of the study is to reveal the biogeochemical features of soils (illuvial-ferruginous podzols, podzols, cryozems, oligotrophic peat frozen soils, alluvial gray-humus and lacustrine-alluvial soils) and vegetation (Betula nana L., Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench, Vaccinium uliginosum L., Ledum palustre L., Sphagnum sp L.) of the Nadym region. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set and implemented: to determine the total content and radial differentiation of elements in the studied soils; to reveal the features of the biological accumulation of elements by the dominant types of vegetation cover. The elemental composition of soils and plants was determined on a serial X-ray fluorescence spectrometer S6 JAGUAR according to the method for determining the mass fraction of metals and metal oxides in powder samples. It has been established that the soils of the Nadym region are characterized by a low content of macroelements, including potassium, calcium, and phosphorus necessary for the mineral nutrition of plants. Calculation of soil-geochemical coefficients shows that the studied soils have an average degree of weathering and leaching moisture regime, peat-gley and cryozems are classified as more fertile soils. Ca, P, and S are accumulated in organic soil horizons, and Co, Cr, and Ni are accumulated in mineral horizons. The radial geochemical structure of cryozems combines features of eluvial-illuvial differentiation and biogenic accumulation. In podzols, the distribution of all elements is eluvial-illuvial, with a minimum in the podzolic horizon. Among plants, the leader in the accumulation of elements is dwarf birch (the maximum accumulation of Ca, K, P, Mg, Zn, Ni), in mosses, on the contrary, the minimum accumulation of elements was found. The elements of energetic and strong accumulation (Kb=n-100n) include Pb, Mo, Cd, Cl, S.

Seaweed (Gracilariopsis funicularis) biochar incorporation into a goat manure–food waste vermicompost for optimized vermidegradation and nutrient release

Vermicomposts are organic fertilizer sources that are being promoted; however, their concentrations of macronutrients such as NPK are very low. This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of amending goat manure–food waste mixture with biochar prepared from seaweed (Gracilariopsis funicularis) at 0% (control), 2, 4, 6, and 8% on vermicompost degradation and macronutrient release. After 10 weeks of vermicomposting, the highest pH of 9.06 was observed within the control, whilst the lowest was 8.7 in the 8% treatment. The electrical conductivity showed a positive relationship with the level of biochar incorporation with the highest of 16.5 mS/cm from the 8% treatment, whilst the lowest was within the control with 6 mS/cm. There were no significant differences between treatments on humification parameters; however, there were significant differences in the changes in a C/N ratio with the final C/N ratio of 14.4, 14.9, 16.7, 15.1, and 14.4 for the control, 2, 4, 6, and 8% treatments, respectively. A higher incorporation rate resulted in the higher concentration of potassium with a value of 32.3 g/kg at week 8. The final percentage change in Olsen P was 19, 14.2, 7.3, 4.1, and 3.0% for the 8%, 6%, control, 4%, and 2% treatments, respectively. An optimized level of 6% to 8% biochar incorporation ratio can be recommended. However, the incorporation of G. funicularis biochar does not seem to influence changes in the vermidegradation efficiency, though it can significantly improve the macronutrients such as P, K, and Mg concentrations as well as the macroelement concentrations.

Concentration of Macroelements and Trace Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Age.

The mineral content of the antlers reflects the nutritional status and specific stage of bone growth in cervid males. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in three characteristic antler positions selected based on the observation of fights between males. These were compared between farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) of different ages. The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest mean concentrations of macroelements (except K) were recorded in the youngest animals aged 2 or 3 years in the proximal position of the antlers. With age and distance from the skull, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents decreased, while K increased. Higher mean concentrations of most trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were recorded in 3-year-old animals in antler distal positions. With an increase in the age, body mass and antler mass of fallow deer, the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Zn decreased (−0.414 ≤ R ≤ −0.737, p < 0.05) in the studied tissue, whereas Li increased (0.470 ≤ R ≤ 0.681, p < 0.05). The obtained results confirm that the antlers’ chemical composition changes with age, also changing the Ca:P ratio.

Influence of rootstock on the content of heavy metals, micro- and macro-elements on peach fruit

Influence of rootstock on the content of heavy metals, micro- and macro-elements on peach fruit

Chemical Composition of Industrial Wood Waste and the Possibility of its Management

Organic wood waste (sawdust, shavings, pieces of wood and bark), is widely used as a secondary raw material and, after composting, for soil fertilisation and substrate production in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, urban landscaping and rehabilitation of degraded land. However, problematic to process is wood waste that is very dirty with soil. They have limited calorific value and cannot be used in the R10 recovery process of land treatment benefiting agriculture or improving the environment. However, the morphological composition of these wastes indicates that they have good properties and can be used for agricultural use and for the reclamation of degraded land. The research involved wood waste with the code 03 01 99 (other unspecified waste from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture) generated during the preparation of deciduous tree logs for the veneer production process, and ashes from the burning of wood waste generated in the veneer production factory. The aim of the study was to assess the chemical composition of these wastes and the possibility of their agricultural use. In the samples of wood waste and ashes there was determined: pH; chlorines content; conductivity; hydrolytic acidity; content of micro and macroelements and heavy metals. The morphological composition of the waste is dominated by sawdust, with a smaller share of shavings, bark and earth parts, and a small addition of pieces of wood of various sizes. It is rich in easily bioavailble as well as total macroelements and is not contaminated with heavy metals. Analyzed wood waste has deacidifying properties, high sorption and buffering capacity. Studies have shown that the wood waste produced at the veneer factory, can be used as an organic fertiliser, a component of other organic fertilisers, for soil mulching, horticultural substrate and soil and land reclamation.The ash obtained from burning wood is strongly alkaline and rich in alkaline cations, mainly Ca, Mg and K. It is not contaminated with heavy metals. The ash can be used for soil deacidification and fertilization, especially for soil reclamation. The waste from the heap can be used as an organic fertilizer, a component of other organic fertilizers, for mulching soils and as a gardening substrate. However, the possibilities for non-agricultural (e.g.: for the production of pallet, particle board) use are limited due to the high proportion of earthy parts.

Farklı Yetiştirme Ortamına Uygulanan Vermikompostun Marul Bitkisinin Gelişimi ile Bazı Bitki Besin Maddesi İçerikleri Üzerine Etkisi

In this study, the effects of hazelnut husk (HH), peat (P) and growing medium consisting hazelnut husk + peat (HH:P) mixture on the growth of lettuce and some nutrient contents were investigated. In the experiment, vermicompost (VC) was added to 3 different media at a rate of 0-10-20-30-40-50% by volume. The research was carried out according to the randomized plot design with 3 replications. According to the research results, the fresh and dry weight of the lettuce plant, the number of leaves and the length of the leaves showed significant increases with vermicompost added to the media compared to the control, and it was determined that 40% vermicompost application to hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat mixture was effective. It was determined that the root fresh and dry weight of the plant increased regularly with vermicompost applications and when the root development was evaluated in general, 50% vermicompost application on hazelnut husk+peat mixture and hazelnut husk were effective. Similarly, vermicompost added to the media regularly increased the total N, P, K, Mn and Zn contents of the lettuce plant. Considering the effect of the medias, the macro element contents of the plant were found to be higher in hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat medium, Mn content in peat and Zn content in the mixture. When the effects on the growth parameters and leaf nutrient contents of the lettuce plant were evaluated, it was concluded that the addition of 40-50% vermicompost to hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat media could be used as a seedling growing medium.

The Effect of Vermicompost and Earthworms (Eisenia fetida) Application on Phytomass and Macroelement Concentration and Tetanic Ratio in Carrot

This experiment evaluated the effects of various vermicompost amounts (0%, 10%, 20%, 25%, and 50%) of the total weight of the mixture of soil and vermicompost) and red worms (0, 10, and 20 individuals/pot) on carrot phytomass and macroelements concentration when applied to soil. Increasing the quantity of vermicompost (Vc) raised the weight of carrot roots and leaves. When we increased the dose of Vc, differences in phytomass growth were diminished gradually. Fifty percent of Vc in the soil did not have a negative impact on the formation of carrot roots and leaves. Vc increased the water content in roots and decreased it in leaves. Earthworms (EWs) in soil increased the weight of both carrot roots and leaves. The positive impact of EW on roots and leaves was higher when the vermicompost content in the soil was lower. EWs showed positive effects on the potassium concentration in whole carrot phytomass. Both EWs and Vc increased the value of the tetanic ratio in the carrot roots, which lowers their quality. EWs showed positive effects on the potassium concentration in whole carrot phytomass. Relationships found between K × Ca and Mg × S were antagonistic. Positive dependencies were detected between the carrot root yield and N, P, K concentration in both leaves and roots.

Effects of semi-decomposed weeds as substrate on plant growth, antioxidant capacity, and leaf nutrition of plum trees

Sustainable practices are inevitable requirements for modern agriculture. Incorporating weed waste into an organic substrate is one of such sustainable agricultural practice. We aimed to investigate whether semi-decomposed, aboveground weed biomass can be used as a substrate for plums. “Qingcui” plums were planted in boxes with semi-composted weeds, and garden soil without composted weeds was used as a control. Plant branch characteristics, leaf antioxidant capacity, leaf nutrition, and numbers of opening flowers and bearing fruits were analyzed. The results showed that treatment with semi-composted weed treatment significantly increased the stem diameter, effective branch number, and effective branch angle. The contents of the reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, and the levels of total antioxidant capacity and catalase were significantly higher in semi-composted weeds than in the control group. The macroelement content in the semi-composted weed group was higher than that of the control group, but the microelement contents did not show any significant differences. However, the trace elements and heavy metals showed heterogeneous changes. The Σ DOP of macroelements, microelements, and trace elements in the weed-compost treatment were larger than that in the control. The chlorophyll content in the weed-compost group was significantly higher than that in the control during the leaf abscission period. The leaf weight per area was significantly higher than that of the control, but the growth time was longer. The numbers of total opening flowers and fruit were higher in the semi-composted weed group than in the control group. We demonstrated that semi-composted weeds as substrates have beneficial effects on plum branch characteristics, leaf antioxidant capacity, and generative growth. However, it increases the degree of nutritional imbalance and extends growth time.