The effect of nitrogen fertilizer form and foliar application on the concentrations of twenty-five elements in carrot

Abstract

Among all elements taken into consideration in this research (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Ti and V), only the concentration of Na in the ‘Kazan F1’ carrot was affected by the interaction of foliar application and nitrogen fertilization. In the case of plants fertilized by Ca(NO 3 ) 2 , foliar application significantly raised Na concentration in storage roots. Compared to the control, all applied nitrogen fertilizers (results analysed independently from the foliar application factor) increased concentrations of Mg and Se in carrot. Fertilization with (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 resulted in a decrease of Ba and Mo concentrations and an increase of Mn concentration, while fertilization with Ca(NO 3 ) 2 raised the contents of Sr and Be in carrot. Foliar application (analysed independently from nitrogen fertilization) considerably increased Bi and Be concentrations, yet it did not affect the contents of other elements in storage roots.