Brassica foods are among the top 10 economic crops in the world (ie broccoli, kale, cauliflower and Chinese cabbage) These vegetables have been identified as important components of a healthy diet because of their high levels of nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals (ie phenolics, glucosinolates, vitamins and minerals) Epidemiological studies have shown that increased consumption of Brassica foods is strongly associated with a reduced risk of degenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease and immune dysfunction Nevertheless, the nutritional content and profile in Brassica vegetables have been reported to vary considerably during the growth period due to agronomical factors including light, temperature, water availability and soil fertility among others Moreover, the conditions of postharvest processing and cooking are also important factors on food quality A better understanding of specific preharvest and postharvest conditions is essential to improve cultivars with value-added nutritional quality Thus, in this article are going to be addressed the effects of the most common crop management strategies and processes on the variation of nutritive compounds present within Brassica from the agri-food perspective

Nutritional and phytochemical value of Brassica crops from the agri‐food perspective

Both the international ISO standard and modern soil classifi cations and databases require soil pH measurement at a 1:5 soil:solution ratio, while the ratio 1:2.5 is still the most commonly used in Poland and other European countries. The transformation of laboratory practices is necessary, but it is also necessary to establish and validate a reliable procedure for converting soil pH at soil:solution ratios of 1:5 and 1:2.5. Based on 200 soil samples representing typical soil types and soil properties of southwest Poland (including arable and forested areas, both in the lowlands and mountains), a general conclusion was derived that pH values measured at soil:solution ratios 1:2.5 and 1:5 in distilled water and KCl solution, respectively, have nearly identical values and do not require conversion in most practical applications. If precise conversion of pH1:2.5 to pH1:5 is necessary, e.g., for soil database construction or long-term soil quality monitoring, the following equations are suggested: pHH2O 1:5 = 0.14 + 0.99*pHH2O 1:2.5 and pHKCl 1:5 = 0.09 + 1.00*pHKCl 1:2.5, respectively. When the direct conversion of pHKCl 1:2.5 to pHH2O 1:5 is required, a simple logarithmic model offer precise and reliable transformation: pHH2O 1:5 = -1.95 + 11.58*log10(pHKCl 1:2.5). This model makes the archival records still useful, both for international soil classifi cations, background data in the long-term measurement series, and as input data for modern international soil databases.

http://www.pjoes.com/pdf-61549-23689?filename=Conversion of Soil pH.pdf

Conversion of soil pH 1:2.5 KCl and 1:2.5 H2O to 1:5 H2O: conclusions for soil management, environmental monitoring, and international soil databases

Abstract This study investigated the variation of nitrogen to sulphur ratios in rapeseed (N/S)t and in rapeseed protein (N/S). Under S‐sufficient conditions the (N/ S)t ratios varied considerably between different varieties, with low glucosinolate varieties having higher ratios than high glucosinolate varieties. In contrast, (N/S)p remained relatively constant at about 11.5 for all varieties tested, though significant effects of N and S nutrition on the (N/S) ratio were present. The ratio increased in the S‐deficient samples. Results of yield responses to S fertilizer and (N/S)(from six field experiments were used to see if (N/S)t could indicate the S status of the crop. Although yield losses due to S shortage tended to occur when (N/S)t was greater than 10, the relationship was not sufficiently reliable for use in diagnosis.

Nitrogen to sulphur ratio in rapeseed and in rapeseed protein and its use in diagnosing sulphur deficiency. [Erratum: 1997, v. 20 (7/8), p. 1027-1028.]

A field study was performed to evaluate the effect of mineral (NPK) and organic-based fertilizers such as compost (C), manure (FYM) and meat and bone meal (MBM) on the appearance (dimensions and color) of spring wheat kernels and on the total content in grain of main its phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids and tocochromanols) and phenolic acids composition. Total phenolic compounds were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay after alkaline hydrolysis of grain and carotenoids were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Composition of tocochromanols and phenolic acids was determined using RP-HPLC techniques. Only insignificant differences in the appearance of kernels and small changes in the content and composition of grain phytochemicals were noted between the studied fertilization systems. Among the analyzed phytochemicals the greatest variation was observed in the group of polyphenol compounds, with a stated increase of their total content of 6.7 and 11.2% in grain fertilized with MBM and compost, respectively. Simultaneously the grain from organic fertilization contained significantly less phenolic acids, and the decrease in their content ranged from 10.0% for FYM to 24.8% for MBM+EM-1. Organically and conventionally fertilized grain had similar amounts of tocochromanols and carotenoids. Comparison of MBM and MBM+EM-1 variants showed that application of effective microorganisms decreased carotenoids and tocochromanols content by 8.5 and 9.7%, respectively.

https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/17/10/12341/pdf

Comparison of the phenolic compounds, carotenoids and tocochromanols content in wheat grain under organic and mineral fertilization regimes.

Rapeseed [Brassica napus (L.)], white mustard [Sinapis alba (L.)], and Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. et Coss] belong to the family Brassicaceae. These crop species synthesize substantial amounts of fat, protein, and glucosinolates (GLS). Brassica species can differ in their concentrations of fat, protein, and GLS in response to S fertilization. Plant material for chemical analyses was harvested from a field experiment conducted in northeastern Poland in 2005 to 2008. The examined species of oilseed crops were fertilized or not fertilized with S applied to soil at optimal rates for each species based on S uptake and forecast seed yield. On average, S fertilization increased seed yield of oilseed crops by 8%, but it did not induce significant differences in the concentrations of fat and protein in seeds. Sulfur fertilization increased total GLS concentrations by 0.22 and 0.27 µmol g–¹ dry matter (DM) in the root residues of white mustard and Indian mustard, respectively, and by 0.52 µmol g–¹ DM in winter rapeseed. Total GLS concentration in winter rapeseed straw decreased by 0.18 µmol g–¹ DM with S application. In white mustard straw, S fertilization increased total GLS concentration by 0.27 µmol g–¹ DM. Sulfur fertilization increased total GLS concentrations in the seeds of spring rapeseed, white mustard and Indian mustard by 11.43, 41.75 and 32.05 µmol g–¹ DM, respectively. Sulfur fertilization has a significant effect on the seed yield and biomass quality of oilseed crops of the family Brassicaceae.

Biomass Quality of Brassica Oilseed Crops in Response to Sulfur Fertilization

Sulfur application has a significant effect on the yield of oil bearing plants of the family Brassicaceae, especially when the sulfur content of soil is low. Sulfur fertilization also affects the value of plant raw materials, reflected by the concentrations of mineral and biologically active compounds in biomass. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sulfur application to soil on the concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese in the root residues, straw and oil cake of winter and spring rapeseed. A three-year (2005-2008) field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Experimentation Station in Bałcyny (NE Poland). In both spring and winter rapeseed, oil cake contained the highest levels of copper and zinc, followed by root residues and straw. The highest concentrations of manganese per kg dry matter (DM) were found in the root residues of winter rapeseed and in the cake of spring rapeseed. The concentrations of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Mn) were slightly higher in the roots of winter rapeseed, compared with spring rapeseed. Sulfur fertilization decreased copper levels and increased manganese levels in the root residues of spring and winter rapeseed. Sulfur application to soil increased zinc concentrations in winter rapeseed roots, and it had no significant influence on the zinc content of spring rapeseed roots. Spring rapeseed straw contained considerably higher levels of zinc and manganese than winter rapeseed straw. The copper content of dr hab. Krzysztof Jankowski, Chair of Agrotechnology and Crop Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 8 Oczapowskiego Street, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland, e-mail: krzysztof.jankowski@uwm.edu.pl * The results presented in this paper were obtained as part of a comprehensive study financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (grant No. N310 031 32/167), titled Multi-criteria evaluation of the forecrop quality of oil-bearing plants grown as energy crops for winter wheat.

http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/yadda/element/bwmeta1.element.agro-bb0002b2-6699-4463-8167-9ef0ea0704c2/c/433_446.pdf

Effect of sulfur fertilization on the concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese in the roots, straw and oil cake of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera Metzg).

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of meat and bone meal (MBM) used as an organic fertilizer on maize grown for grain. A two-factorial field experiment in a randomized block design was carried out in 2010 and 2011, in north-eastern Poland. Experimental factor I was MBM dose (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 t ha -1 year -1 ), and experimental factor II was the year of the study (two consecutive years). Increasing MBM doses contributed to an increase in maize grain yield and 1000-grain weight. The yield-forming effect of MBM applied at 1.5 t ha -1 year -1 was comparable with that of nitrogen and phosphorus contained in mineral fertilizers. A dose of 2.5 t ha -1 MBM led to a significant increase in maize grain yield. The P and K content of maize grain was determined by MBM dose, whereas the concentrations of N, Mg and Ca in grain were not affected by MBM dose. Significantly higher N, P, K and Mg uptake by maize plants was observed in treatments with the highest MBM dose, compared with the control treatment. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake per 1 t MBM reached 101 kg and 26 kg, respectively. The results of a two-year study show that the maximum MBM dose (2.5 t ha -1 year -1 ) met the fertilizer requirements of maize with respect to nitrogen and phosphorus.

/pdf/the-effect-of-increasing-doses-of-meat-and-bone-meal-mbm-on-3v6d5hlzyz.pdf

The effect of increasing doses of meat and bone meal (MBM) on maize (Zea mays L.) grown for grain

The aim of this paper was to review 100 years of Polish studies on sulphur fertilisation and its effects on the growth and development of plants, the chemical composition and impact of sulphur compounds on the health of plants, and its fungicidal activity. In the reviewed studies sulphur deficiency generally delayed vegetative growth, caused the dying out of the growth cone, yellow discolouration of the generative and vegetative organs and delayed maturation. Observations of plants have demonstrated that sulphur is essential for normal photosynthetic functions. Plants suffering from a lack or shortage of sulphur had pale green or yellowish, narrow, short and small leaves, and a smaller than normal root system, which was associated with reduced chlorophyll synthesis. The availability of sulphur was found to enatil an improved uptake of nitrogen by plants, thus affecting their quality and optimising the N:S ratio. Fertilisation with sulphur increased the total content of sulphur and sulphates in plants. Findings from studies on the effect of sulphur on the content of macroelements in tested plants are inconclusive. Sulphur used in excess disturbed the ionic balance in plants and indirectly affected the intensity and level of uptake of other nutrients. The results of studies investigating the impact of sulphur on changes in the content of heavy metals were ambiguous and demonstrated either synergistic or antagonistic interactions. Generally, sulphur fertilisation increased the content of glucosinolates in plants and improved their nutritional value. Most studies also showed that sulphur fertilisation improved the disease resistance of plants. Some studies have also demonstrated an increased content of glucosinolates in plants fertilised with sulphur, which stimulated natural resistance to fungal infections.

/pdf/sulphur-as-a-fertiliser-component-determining-crop-yield-and-218c8gt8zn.pdf

Sulphur as a fertiliser component determining crop yield and quality

A three-year field experiment was conducted in North-East Poland. Each year three sulfur fertilization rates in the form of sulphate (S-SO 4 ) and pure (S-S 0 ) sulfur were applied: 40, 80, and 120 kg/ha. After the third year of the study, the application of sulfate and elemental sulfur decreased the zinc content of 0-40 and 40-80 cm soil layers, as compared with soil sampled before the experiment. Over the entire experimental period, sulfur fertilization had no significant effect on changes in the natural copper content of soil at a depth of 0-40 and 40-80 cm. Manganese concentrations remained at a similar level at a soil depth of 0-40 cm. The manganese content of the 40-80 cm soil layer was substantially lower than in the 0-40 cm horizon. An insignificant increase in the lead content of soil was observed. The applied doses of sulfate and elemental sulfur led to an increase in the cadmium content of soil depth of 0-40 cm. Sulfur fertilization contributed to a decrease in the nickel content of soil. The applied doses of sulfate and elemental sulfur exerted a stronger effect in the 0-40 cm soil layer than in the 40-80 cm horizon.

/pdf/the-effect-of-different-sulfur-doses-and-forms-on-changes-of-17j1qcu83h.pdf

The effect of different sulfur doses and forms on changes of soil heavy metals.

A three-year field experiment was conducted in Byszwa³d near Lubawa in 2000-2002. The aim of this study has been to determine the influence of increasing rates of sulphur on the dynamics of available phosphorus in soil at two horizons: 0-40 and 40-80 cm. The trial was set up on acid brown soil of the granulometric composition of heavy loamy sand. The initial soil had the following properties: pH (KCl) = 5.30, mineral nitrogen 24.0, sulphate sulphur 4.10, available phosphorus 34.5 and potassium 110.0 mg kg -1 of soil. Three levels of sulphur fertilization were applied: 40, 80 and 120 kg⋅ha -1 in the sulphate form (S-SO4) and as elementary sulphur (S-S 0 ). During the whole duration of the field trials, the results demonstrating the effect of fertilization with different forms and rates of sulphur on the content and transfer of available phosphorus in soil were inconsistent. Only the dose of 120 kg⋅ha -1 S-SO 4 caused a significant increase in the concentration of available sulphur in soil in the 0-40 and 40-80 cm layers. All the rates of elementary sulphur as well as 40 and 80 kg⋅ha -1 sulphate sulphur caused little less but an increasing tendency in the content of phosphorus in soil. The effect of elementary sulphur became apparent as late as the third year of the trials. The effect of the doses of 40 and 80 kg⋅ha-1 of sulphur on properties of soil depended on the form of sulphur, duration of the experi

/pdf/effect-of-different-rates-and-forms-of-sulphur-on-content-of-xsnjrniqo3.pdf

Małgorzata Skwierawska

Papers

Effect of sulfur fertilization on the concentrations of copper, zinc and manganese in the roots, straw and oil cake of rapeseed (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera Metzg).

The effect of increasing doses of meat and bone meal (MBM) on maize (Zea mays L.) grown for grain

Sulphur as a fertiliser component determining crop yield and quality

The effect of different sulfur doses and forms on changes of soil heavy metals.

Effect of different rates and forms of sulphur on content of available phosphorus in soil.