Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Impact of synthetic zeolite fertilization on radicchio mineral composition and nutritive value

Author(s):

Igor Pasković ¹*, Josip Bronić ², Boris Subotić ², Marija Pecina ³, Slavko Perica ¹, Igor Palčić ³, Mirjana Herak Ćustić ³

Recieved Date: 2012-09-02, Accepted Date: 2013-01-18

Abstract:

The aim of this experiment was to define the impact of synthetic zeolite fertilization on the leaf mineral composition and nutritive value of radicchio, Cichorium intybus var. foliosum Hegi. cv. Leonardo. The trial was conducted on alkaline, calcareous soil and lasted for 62 days. Fertilizations with Zn, Mn, Fe and Mg were carried out in the form of synthetic zeolite A (ZA), from which the original Na+ ions were exchanged with Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺ (Fe³⁺) and Mg²⁺ ions from solutions. Zeolites, compared to the ordinary mineral fertilizers, are slow release fertilizers, resistant to leaching, thus having the beneficial economic and ecological effects. The results showed that zeolite fertilization significantly increased (P≤0.05) the leaf Zn concentration (DW) as well as the positive effect on relative increase of leaf Mn and Fe concentrations (DW) in comparison to the untreated plants. The leaf concentration of Mg (DW) did not exhibit any significant difference among the treated and control plants. Leaf  Mn, Fe, Ca, Mg, K and P composition (DW) was in accordance with the respective published data while Zn content (DW) was considerably higher within the zeolite-treated plants. Furthermore, with the consumption of zeolite-treated plants significantly higher amount (P≤0.05) of Zn (FW) and Mn (FW), as well as relatively higher amount of Fe (FW), is taken into the human body. This is particularly important for Zn and Fe, because these minerals are deficient in 30% and 60% of the world’s population. 

Keywords:

Zeolite A, fertilizer, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, alkaline, calcareous soil, Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi., RDA

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2013
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 498-502

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