Content Of Microelements Research Articles

Effect of Humic Acids on Soybean Seedling Growth under Polyethylene-Glycol-6000-Induced Drought Stress

Humic substances (HS) are the most important natural biostimulant of plants. However, the relationship between their structure and biological activity in plants is still not well recognized. The objective of this paper was to assess the influence of molecular fractions of humic acids (HA) (HA < 30 kDa and HA > 30 kDa) on reducing negative effects of drought stress in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) seedlings of Progres and Nawiko cultivars. Drought stress was induced in laboratory conditions by the addition of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) to make a water potential of −0.5 MPa. HA were extracted according to the International Humic Substances Society procedure, and then were separated into two molecular fractions by membrane filtration. The following physiological and biometric parameters were determined: chlorophyll content, photosynthesis activity, electrical conductivity, fresh and dry mass of overground and roots, and plant length. The enzyme activity and ion contents were also measured. Differences in response to drought stress with the addition of HA < 30 kDa and HA > 30 kDa or not to the Hoagland’s solution were observed among studied cultivars. Drought stress caused a decrease in the most physiological parameters and increase in peroxidase activity in the case of both studied cultivars. However, the results of biometric measurements showed that the Progres cultivar appears to have better tolerance to drought stress. The significant influence of water deficit on most macroelement content in dry matter leaves of both studied cultivars was not observed, while its effect on microelement uptake by soybean plants was concluded. In the case of the Progres cultivar, the results showed a significant decrease in microelement content in the dry matter of leaves, whereas in the leaves of Nawiko cultivar there was a significant increase. The influence of HA > 30 kDa and HA < 30 KDa fractions on physiological features of both studied cultivars was varied. HA > 30 kDa fraction better up-regulated the antioxidant defense system. Unfortunately, no effect of either HA fraction on the macro- and micronutrients uptake system of both studied cultivars was observed.

Functional And Nutraceutical Characterization of Mulberry Leaves

Mulberry (Morus spp., Moracecae) is a notable medicinal and multi-functional plant. Distinct mulberry types are spread in subtropical, temperate and tropical areas all over the world. Mulberry leaves carry a number of bioactive compounds with it along with various pharmacological effects. It is a magnificent origin of nutrients, phytochemical and is been proven as nutraceutical. Mulberry leaves have a wide range of pharmacological effects having bacteriostatic, anti-hyperlipidemia, lowering blood glucose, anti-hypertensive, and antiviral properties. Mulberry leaves caloric content was determined as of carbohydrate (CHO), protein, fat, fiber, moisture and ash. Mulberry leaves contained the uppermost amount of carbohydrate (28.37%) in T1 and the lowermost amount of moisture (5.2%) in T1. The mineral content of macro-elements and micro-elements were determined from chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and sodium (Na). The content of minerals in mulberry leaves contained the highest amount of manganese (34.7) in T1 and the lowest sodium in T1. The content of vitamins in mulberry leaves contained the fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins β-carotene, C, B3 and B2 were determined. Amongst the vitamins, mulberry leaves contained the uppermost value of β-carotene (14.0mg) and the lowermost value of vitamin B3(0.04). Bioactive compounds of mulberry leaves were determined are rutin, catechins, alkaloids and quercetin. Among the bioactive compounds in mulberry leaves contained the uppermost value of quercetin (763mg). The total phenolic content was (0.42–0.80 mg) Conclusively, mulberry leaves is enriched with nutritional values. So, it can be used in the treatment of various disease

Nutritional evaluation of the agro-industrial by-products and waste fruits-vegetable for sustainable ruminant nutrition

The growing consumption of ruminant animal products gives rise to a huge demand of animal feed in growing countries. By-product feeds, waste fruits-vegetables, and crop residues should be considered as a valuable alternative feed resource in ruminant nutrition. This waste can be reutilized and converted by ruminants to valuable products for human benefits as a new resource and in return to increase the effectiveness of limited feed sources. But, there are limited new information and research regarding the nutritive value of this waste for ruminants. For this purpose, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional potential of some agro-industrial by-products, waste fruits-vegetable, and crop residue for ruminants specifically. Fourteen by-products, waste fruits-vegetable and crop residue were collected from the west part regions of Turkey. Nine by-product feeds (whole cottonseed, rice bran, soybean hull, apple pomade, citrus pulp, grape pomade, tomato pomade, grape stalk, rice hull), three waste fruits (dry grape, dry fig, carrot), one waste vegetable (potato) and also one crop residue (cornstalk) were analyzed for nutritional composition and metabolizable energy values were calculated by crude nutrients for ruminants. Further, energy, DMD, and OMD of these samples were investigated by using the cellulose enzyme method. All samples were analyzed the macro minerals (Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg) and the microelements (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) contents. In the research, all samples regarding the parameters in DM, ash, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NSC, NDF, ADF, starch, sugar, Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, DMD, OMD, MECN, and MECEL were different (P<0.05). The study showed that the waste fruits, vegetable, and by-products have valuable sugar (grape, fig, and carrot), starch (potato, rice bran), NSC (citrus pulp), and oil (cottonseed) content that is the main compounds making them high energetic feeds for ruminants. Also, most of these research materials have enough or much more macro and micro mineral concentrations for ruminant nutrition.

Assessment of Physicochemical, Macro- and Microelements, Heavy Metals, and Related Human Health Risk from Organically, Conventionally, and Homemade Romanian Wines

From the consumers’ perspective, organic and homemade products have become more attractive than conventional ones. However, scientific data regarding the characteristics, properties, and composition of these products are scarce. This study assessed the elemental composition of organic, conventional, and homemade Romanian wines. The physicochemical composition, SO2 (free and total) and total concentration of macroelements, microelements, and heavy metals from nine wine regions containing 165 samples of white (38 organic/70 conventional/57 homemade), 67 red (22/31/14) and 7 rosé (2/2/3) wines were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary intake and target hazard quotient were also evaluated. The phytochemical and elemental compositions of the wine samples varied across regions and wine types. The highest levels of Ca, K, Fe and Al were detected in conventional wines, while homemade wines recorded high concentrations of Na, Mg, V, Ba and Rb. In the case of the rosé wine samples, the levels of trace elements and heavy metals were below the admissible limit. The estimated daily intake of a glass of wine provided less than 0.5% of the tolerable daily intake of the analyzed elements. No health concerns were identified. All wine samples can be safely consumed, regardless of the culture system used for production, and homemade wines are not of a lower quality than organic or conventional wines.

The Effect of Sowing Density and Different Harvesting Stages on Yield and Some Forage Quality Characters of the White Sweet Clover (Melilotus albus)

White sweet clover (Melilotus albus) cultivation, despite its many positive features such as the high yield of green mass, as well as protein content, is currently not widespread. This study aimed to determine the effect of the different sowing densities (500, 1000, and 1500 seeds per m2) and harvesting at different growth stages (before budding, budding, and full flowering) on the quality of fodder from the white sweet clover (Adela variety). The field experiment was carried out in the years 2018–2020 in a split-plot design. Plant biometric measurements, green and dry yield, the content of total protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, macro and microelements, and coumarin content were determined. The results show that an increase in the sowing density significantly increased the plant population after emergence and green and dry matter. However, it does not affect the total protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, macro and microelements, and coumarin content. Harvesting plants at the flowering stage increased plant height and green fodder yield. Plants harvested at the prebudding phase were characterized by the highest share of leaves (40.3%) and were the most abundant in protein (21.7%) and minerals (ash content 12.71%). Unfortunately, sweet clover at this growth stage contained the highest level of coumarin, which limits its use in animal feed.

Genes and elements involved in the regulation of the nervous system and growth affect the development of spinal deformity in Cyprinus carpio.

Spinal deformity is a serious economic and animal welfare problem in intensive fish farming systems, which will be a significant unsolved problem for the fish sector. The aim of this study was to determine the relative expression of genes (Akt1 substrate 1, Calreticulin, Collagen type I alpha 2 chain, Corticotropin-releasing hormone, Chromodomain-Helicase DNA-binding, Growth hormone, Insulin like growth factor 1, Myostatin, Sine oculis-related homeobox 3, Toll-like receptor 2) in different tissues associated with spinal deformity and to determine the macroelement (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur) and microelement (barium, copper, iron, manganese, strontium, zinc) content of spine in healthy and deformed common carps (Cyprinus carpio) in Hungary. The mRNA levels of the genes were measured in 7 different tissues (abdominal fat, blood, brain, dorsal muscle, genitals, heart, liver) by qRT-PCR. Correlations between gene expression and element content were analyzed by using linear regression and Spearman rank correlation. In a total of 15 cases, we found a statistically significant connection between gene expression in a tissue and the macro- or microelement content of the spine. In these contexts, the genes Akt1 substrate 1 (3), Collagen type I alpha 2 chain (2), Corticotropin-releasing hormone (4), Insulin-like growth factor 1 (4), and Myostatin (2), the tissue’s blood (3), brain (6), heart (5), and liver (1), the macroelements sodium (4), magnesium (4), phosphorus (1) and sulfur (2) as well as the microelement iron (4) were involved. We also found statistically significant mRNA level differences between healthy and deformed common carps in tissues that were not directly affected by the deformation. Based on our results, genes regulating the nervous system and growth, elements, and tissues are the most associated components in the phenomenon of spinal deformity. With our study, we wish to give direction to and momentum for the exploration of these complex processes.

EVALUATION OF CHAKVI RED SOILS AND SECONDARY PHYTOCOENOSES DEVELOPED ON THEM

The given work envisages results of physical-chemical parameters of red soils in Chakvi (Adjara A.R., Georgia) and multi-element analysis for the purpose of identification and evaluation of their chemical composition and modern fertility level. Besides, in the given work the present conditions of naturally formed co-societies are reviewed which are resulted from irrational usage of phyto-landscapes of seaside Adjara, their anthropogenic influence and abandoning and neglecting agricultural land plots; the peculiarities for development of secondary phytocenoses being formed via mutual participation of aborigine and adventitious species are studied. The research has showed that research soils are acidic; they are poor in general humus and nitrogen. From macro-elements K, Mg, P are with minimum concentration and Cd, Cr, Hg, Li, Sb, Se, Ti, Tl, V, Pb are beyond the permissible concentration norm. The concentrations of microelements As, Ba, Cu does not exceed MPC. Phyto-cenotic structure is formed in parallel with growth of coniferous plants via gradual introduction of cenotic inter-relations which is differentiated like rows. Formed secondary phytocenosis are characterized with high potential of species of foreign origin (adventitious). At present stage of restoration successive change in serial phytocenosis totally 63 families, 137 breeds, 191 species from which local is 61 and 130 of a foreign origin are described.

Digestate and Manure Use in Kohlrabi Production: Impact on Plant-Available Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Soil, Yield, and Mineral Composition

Digestate is a residue of the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste for biogas extraction, but it can be reused as a source of nutrients. To examine the effect of digestate in kohlrabi production, field experiments were conducted during three seasons in two calendar years. The fertilization treatments included the application of solid digestate (two rates—DS1 and DS2), liquid digestate (two rates—DL1 and DL2), solid manure (two rates—MS1 and MS2), and mineral fertilizer (NPK) and were compared with a plot without fertilization (Ø). The results showed a significant increase in the yield with the use of solid and liquid digestate, as well as with NPK, in all growing seasons, while the microelement contents (Zn, Mn, and Cu) in the leaves were at optimum level. The applied treatments did not increase the plant-available nutrients (AL-P2O5, AL-K2O, Fe, Cu, and Zn) in the soil (except Mn). The application of DL2, MS1, and MS2 led to a higher Pb content in kohlrabi stems compared to the control, but the Pb content remained below the maximum permitted limit. Our research showed that digestate can be used as a valuable source of nutrients for kohlrabi production, with a low risk of soil and plant contamination by heavy metals. However, the control of soil, digestates, and manure quality is recommended.

Распределение микроэлементов в естественных почвах Ростовской агломерации под различными типами растительных сообществ

The article deals with the content and distribution of microelements in the profile of native soils of the Rostov agglomeration under different types of woody plant communities. Determination of microelement content was carried out by X-ray fluorescence method on "Spectroscan MAKS-GV" device. Calcic Chernozems (Pachic) under natural steppe vegetation and their analogues under artificial tree formations were studied. Man-made forest plantations in the steppe zone provide conditions for accumulation of zinc and lead in the upper humus-accumulative horizons, and copper at the carbonate barrier layer in illuvial-carbonate horizons of chernozem.

GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF DIKE AILLIKITES AND ALKALINE ROCKS OF THE BOLSHETAGNINSKY MASSIF (URIK-IYA GRABEN, EAST SAYAN REGION)

The ICP-MS determinations have been made on microelement content of ~650–640 Ma ultramafic lamprophyre-aillikite dikes and alkaline silicate rocks and carbonatites from the Bolshetagninsky ijolite-syenite massif, spatially overlapped in the northern Urik-Iya graben on the southwestern margin of the Siberian craton. There have been identified two types of spectra of microelement distribution, typical of the Bolshetagninsky massif aillikites and alkaline silicate rocks, respectively; both types of spectra demonstrate significant (more than two orders of magnitude) enrichment in most incompatible elements relative to the primitive mantle. Aillikites have tilt-left distribution spectra of rare elements with Rb, К , Pb, Sr-P, Zr-Hf, ±U minimums and less-pronounced Y minimum. Multi-element spectra of ijolites-melteigites are characterized by Th, Та , Pb, Hf, ±Zr, ±Ti minimums which is also reflected in nepheline syenite and carbonatite spectra. The Bolshetagninsky massif aillikites and alkaline rocks differ also in Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf, Th/Nb, Th/U ratios. Geochemical differences imply that the parental melts of dike aillikites and alkaline rocks are derived from different mantle sources.

Trace elements content in the hair of patients at the maxillofacial surgery department

Relevance. The urgency of the problem of traumatism is constantly increasing, which is associated with an increase in road accidents, an increase in the number of interpersonal conflicts, the availability of firearms and cold steel weapon, etc. In addition, the proportion of victims with injuries of the maxillofacial region in a state of alcoholic intoxication is constantly growing. The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of trace elements in hospitalized patients with maxillofacial trauma, intoxicated, acute traumatic stress and the study of the effect of trauma on the balance of trace elements in patients of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery with various alcohol history. Materials and Methods. The study involved 30 male patients of the department of maxillofacial surgery of the Moscow city clinical F.I. Inozemtseva hospital located in the city of Moscow. All patients were joined to the department for trauma of the maxillofacial tract and were divided into two groups: 15 of them regularly took alcohol and were in a state of alcoholic intoxication at the time of injury (group 1), 15 - without alcohol history (comparison group 2). All patients carried a general clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test, and the content of essential and conditionally essential elements in the hair were also determined. Results and Discussion. As a result, significant differences were revealed in the content of micro elements between the groups of patients: the content of copper (p = 0.013) and zinc (p = 0.000) in the hair examined of the first group was 1.4 lower than in the comparison group 2. The manganese content (p = 0.05), on the contrary, was also increased by 1.4 times in the hair of group 1 patients. Besides, leukocytosis was detected in the blood in patients with a history of alcohol and an increase in AST levels. Conclusion. The study showed an increase in the content of manganese and a decrease in the content of selenium, zinc and copper in the hair of patients with an alcoholic history. Diselementosis was accompanied by a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, as well as leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Such an imbalance of chemical elements, together with a changes of peripheral blood and an increase in the activity of ASaT, can be reflected on the period the timing and peculiarities of the course of the reparative process.

Evaluation of the edaphic and water properties of Diu coast (Saurashtra, Gujarat, India) in relation to the population density of Avicennia marina

The Diu Island is the natural habitat dominated by Avicennia marina mangrove species in the southeast coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat State of India. Since it is a famous industrial and tourism place, survival of these mangrove species is threatened due to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, to conserve the natural habitat of Avicennia marina, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of water quality and edaphic factors on growth of Avicennia marina species in this region. In order to study the quality of soil and water, samples were collected from the sediments of five different habitats during each season (summer, winter and monsoon) and physicochemical parameters were measured. The quality of water and soil was influenced by seasonal changes due to change in temperature, pH, macroelements (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphate, sulfur, potassium, calcium and magnesium) and microelements (zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron and nickel) content which in turn increases TDS, TSS, TS, alkalinity, COD and BOD of water. These parameters were correlated with the population density of plants growing in the sediments to observe its effect on growth of plants in each habitat. Hence, it was concluded that there was significant influence of seasonal changes on the physicochemical parameters of water and soil which in turn changed the density of plants (site:3 > site:1 > site:2 > site:5 > site:4) at all five sites. Multivariate cluster analysis, MDS and PCA, identified spatial and temporal characteristics of five habitats and suggested that site-4 and site-5 are more polluted as compared to other sites and require restoration and conservation.

STUDY OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF UNDERGROUND ORGANS OF EU-PHORBIA FISCHERIANA STEUD.

The phenolic compounds and mineral composition were studied in underground organs of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud. This plant is widely used in folk medicine. No data about concentrations of macro and microelements in spurge euphorbia have been available. There is partial information concerning some organic compounds. Therefore, it was necessary to supplement its composition with experimental data. For this purpose, nine compounds of phenolic structure were identified in the roots by high-performance liquid chromatography: phenolic acids (caffeic, gallic, chicory, neochlorogenic and ferulic), coumarin, flavonoids (rutin, quercetin and catechin). Caffeic and gallic acids are predominating among phenolic acids, while rutin predominates in flavonoids. The contents of elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence, namely: Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba and Pb. The significant contents of vital elements, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc were revealed. The contents of most microelements are low. These studies are of interest for creating new herbal drugs of polyvalent action.

Monitoring microalgal growth of Chlorella minutissima with a new all solid-state contact nitrate selective sensor.

As third generation feedstock, microalgae are microorganisms that can grow only in the optimum conditions. There are parameters including the concentration of macro and microelements in nutrient solution, pH, temperature and light intensity that have significant impact on microalgal growth. In recent years, various sensing devices have been developed for sensitive measurement of these parameters during microalgal growth. In this study, a new potentiometric nitrate selective sensor was developed to indicate the nitrate uptake of microalgae and the effect of nitrate nutrient on microalgal growth, specifically, and this sensor was successfully applied to determine nitrate concentration in medium during microalgal growth. Moreover, the effects of nitrate, carbonate and phosphate concentration in the growth medium on biomass production of Chlorella minutissima were investigated by using Box-Behnken design method, and optimum conditions were determined for the highest biomass production of microalgae. As a result of the experiments, it was seen that the highest C. minutissima production was achieved using the medium consist of 2.63 g/L NaNO3 , 0.35 g/L Na2 CO3 and 0.4g/L KH2 PO4. Statistically, it was observed that there was a proportional relationship between the microalgae production and investigated parameters such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphate amounts of culture mediums. The electrode showed a wide linear range between 1.0 × 10-1 and 5.0 × 10-5 M with a detection limit of the 5 × 10-6 M and the response time was found as 10s. The results showed that developed nitrate selective sensor could be successfully applied for continuous measurement of nitrate in microalgal productions at reduced cost.

Trace elements content in the hair of patients at the maxillofacial surgery department

Relevance. The urgency of the problem of traumatism is constantly increasing, which is associated with an increase in road accidents, an increase in the number of interpersonal conflicts, the availability of firearms and cold steel weapon, etc. In addition, the proportion of victims with injuries of the maxillofacial region in a state of alcoholic intoxication is constantly growing. The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of trace elements in hospitalized patients with maxillofacial trauma, intoxicated, acute traumatic stress and the study of the effect of trauma on the balance of trace elements in patients of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery with various alcohol history. Materials and Methods. The study involved 30 male patients of the department of maxillofacial surgery of the Moscow city clinical F.I. Inozemtseva hospital located in the city of Moscow. All patients were joined to the department for trauma of the maxillofacial tract and were divided into two groups: 15 of them regularly took alcohol and were in a state of alcoholic intoxication at the time of injury (group 1), 15 - without alcohol history (comparison group 2). All patients carried a general clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test, and the content of essential and conditionally essential elements in the hair were also determined. Results and Discussion. As a result, significant differences were revealed in the content of micro elements between the groups of patients: the content of copper (p = 0.013) and zinc (p = 0.000) in the hair examined of the first group was 1.4 lower than in the comparison group 2. The manganese content (p = 0.05), on the contrary, was also increased by 1.4 times in the hair of group 1 patients. Besides, leukocytosis was detected in the blood in patients with a history of alcohol and an increase in AST levels. Conclusion. The study showed an increase in the content of manganese and a decrease in the content of selenium, zinc and copper in the hair of patients with an alcoholic history. Diselementosis was accompanied by a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase activity, as well as leukocytosis and lymphocytosis. Such an imbalance of chemical elements, together with a changes of peripheral blood and an increase in the activity of ASaT, can be reflected on the period the timing and peculiarities of the course of the reparative process.

Evaluation of soybean stinkbug (Riptortus pedestris) powder, as a food ingredient and its nutritional composition

Riptortus pedestris is a potential edible insect, and its powder can be considered as an ideal nutrient source. This study sought to determine the nutritive quality of the powder from Riptortus pedestris. The protein and crude fat content of dried R. pedestris powder were 77.61 g 100 g<sup>–1</sup> and 18.01 g 100 g<sup>–1</sup>, respectively. It contained 18 amino acids and 6 fatty acids comparable to eggs and soybean. The total essential amino acid contents could meet the requirement of preschool children and adults. The unsaturated fatty acid content in R. pedestris powder was comparatively more than saturated fatty acid content. Essential unsaturated fatty acids content, especially linoleic acid, was quite high than egg or some other edible stinkbugs. Additionally, R. pedestris powder was rich in various mineral substances, and the macro-element and micro-element contents were more balanced than other edible stinkbugs. These results suggest that R. pedestris powder could be a highly nutritious, alternative novel nutrition source for humans.

Effect of Microwave Heat Processing on Nutritional Indices, Antinutrients, and Sensory Attributes of Potato Powder-Supplemented Flatbread

This study aims at evaluating nutritional, toxicological, and sensory attributes of microwave heat-treated potato powder-supplemented unleavened flatbread. Straight-grade wheat flour (SGF) was substituted with potato powder at the rate of 2.5–10% d.w. A comparison was made for nutritional, antinutrient, and organoleptic attributes of microwave heat-treated potato powder and SGF—potato powder composite flour-based flatbreads. The results suggest processed potato powder supplementation in SGF to significantly ( p < 0.05 ) improve ash (0.48 to 0.63 g/100 g), dietary fiber (2.15 to 2.61 g/100 g), and protein (8.33 to 9.91 g/100 g) contents of composite chapatis. Likewise, significant ( p < 0.05 ) improvement in the concentration of microelements and trace elements was observed including Ca, Na, K, Fe, and Zn contents, which were increased from 29.7 to 33.5 mg/100 g, 2.8 to 6.3 mg/100 g, 376 to 466 mg/100 g, 3.1 to 3.4 mg/100 g, and 3.17 to 3.25 mg/100 g, respectively. Microwave heating of potato powder was observed to reduce the load of alkaloids, oxalates, tannins, and phytates of the raw potato powder at the rate of 76%, 80%, 84%, and 82%, respectively, thus anticipating a promising response to minimize toxicant load in supplemented flatbread. Supplementing potato powder in SGF elucidated significant ( p < 0.05 ) improvement in color values, i.e., a∗ (1.89–2.32) and b∗ (10.95–13.22), and increased product hardness from 3.17 to 7.9 N. The study concludes that microwave heat-treated potato powder yield improved nutritional and safety concerns of the consumers when used alone or as a supplement for developing composite flours based on value-added products.

Apple leaf macro- and micronutrient content as affected by soil treatments with fertilizers and microorganisms

The effects of bacterial and fungal inocula on the nutritional status of ‘Sampion’ apple trees was evaluated in three-years study (2018–2020). The experiment was set up in a two-factor system: (i) fertilization (without fertilization or mineral fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium); (ii) application of beneficial microorganisms (without application, application of fungi or bacteria). The mixture of beneficial soil fungi contained two species: Aspergillus niger and Purpureocillium lilacinum. The mixture of beneficial bacteria contained three strains of Bacillus (Bacillus sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Paenibacillus polymyxa). The analysis of mineral content and leaf greenness (SPAD index) was performed on the samples collected from the trees in August. The lack of mineral fertilization caused a significant decrease in the nitrogen content of apple leaves, which resulted in their lighter color (lower SPAD index). The application of filamentous fungi or bacterial strains had a modifying effect on the mineral composition of apple leaves, what became evident especially in the third year of the study. An increase in the concentration of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and most microelements (except for boron) was found as a result of the influence of tree mineral fertilization and microorganisms applied to the soil. In the absence of mineral fertilization of the trees, the applied microbial inocula resulted in the significant increase of concentration of most macro- and microelements in the leaf tissue (except for magnesium and boron).

Environmental Compliance and Nutritional Value of Yakutian Cattle Products

Due to the increasing anthropogenic pollution of the environment, the environmental compliance of agricultural and livestock products becomes increasingly important. This study discusses the materials on pollutant content in the Yakutian cattle products and includes the assessment of the nutritional value of meat and milk. The research objective is to determine the content of toxic metals, microelements, and the nutritional value of meat and milk of Yakutian cattle bred in Yakutia. Research methods. Sample material was analyzed for the content of toxic metals and microelements using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Milk productivity indicators and organoleptic properties of meat were determined by conventional methods. Results. The average value of lead content in meat was determined amounting to 0.1736±0.0076 mg/kg, mercury — 0.0156±0.0012 mg/kg, arsenic — 0.006±0.0007 mg/kg. No cadmium was not found in meat. Relatively high content of toxic metals was detected in liver. The content of microelements (Zn, Cu, Fe) satisfies regulatory requirements. Relatively high content of copper (83.3076±0.2342 mg/kg) and iron (97.4148±0.4412 mg/kg) was detected in liver. Conclusions. Analysis of research results showed that the average values of toxic metals content (mg/kg) (Pb, Cd, Hg, As) in meat and liver satisfy the regulatory requirements. Yakutian cattle meat contains a balanced full range of amino acids and is suitable for the production of high-quality meat products. Yakutian cattle milk has high fat content varying on average from 5.04% to 5.46%.

The Influence of Ecologised Fertiliser Systems on the Elements of Fertility and Productivity of Winter Wheat

One of the strategic areas for the development of modern agriculture is the use of ecologised fertiliser systems composed based on the straw of agricultural crops with the addition of microbiological, humus or chelated fertilisers. This will allow restoring natural resources and getting environmentally friendly products. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of ecologised fertiliser systems on the physical and chemical processes and nitrogen regime of grey forest soil, the development of bio-productivity of winter wheat, and the content of basic microelements in grain. The following methods were used in the research: field, laboratory-analytical, mathematical-statistical. Application of N30P45K45 against the background of pea straw with the addition of a biostimulator and humus fertiliser mostly demonstrated modern approaches to technologies for managing the fertility of grey forest soils based on the principles of environmental safety and resource conservation. Such a fertiliser system provided alkalinisation of the soil solution, optimisation of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ content, improvement of the soil nitrogen regime. Under such conditions, optimal parameters of the production process elements (the number and mass of grains in the head) were formed. The most effective in the processes of accumulation of microelements was the organo-mineral system of the following composition: pea straw + N30R45K45 + chelated fertiliser. No excess of the maximum permissible concentration for Cu, Zn, Mn, or Fe was detected. Thus, to harmonise the ecological and productive functions of grey forest soil in the winter wheat cultivation system, a combination of alternative agriculture, which consists in reducing the use of mineral fertilisers, and partial biologisation, is considered promising. This is a way to optimise soil fertility and bio-productivity