Tackling human malnutrition resulting from mineral deficits in foods is currently an agro-industrial problem. To address this problem, an agronomic workflow to enrich Rocha pears with calcium (Ca) was considered in two orchards in Portugal. This study aims to assess quality differences in the irrigation water of two orchards (of Rocha pear) where an agronomic Ca enrichment workflow would be performed and identify possible conditioning to Ca increases in fruits. Thus, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, pHs, cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+), and anions (HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42−) were attained to calculate the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) index and the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and assess the agricultural use. The values of EC, pH, pHs, SAR index and LSI of both orchards varied between 1198 and 1211 µS/cm, 7.4 and 7.5, 7.7 and 8.1, 3.5 and 7.4, and −0.69 and −0.21, respectively. Regarding Piper classification, irrigation waters were classified as sodium bicarbonate (orchard 1) and sodium chloride bicarbonate (orchard 2). Both orchards presented different classifications regarding agricultural use, namely C3S1 (orchard 2) and C3S2 (orchard 1). The water of both orchards presented the same salinity hazard (C3), but the use of these irrigation waters is enabled since these trees can be considered salt-tolerant. However, regarding the alkalinization hazard to soils, the irrigation water from orchard 2 offers less danger (S1) in comparison to orchard 1 (S2). Meanwhile, a slightly inferior LSI (orchard 1) can favor a higher tendency to dissolve calcium carbonate. In conclusion, although slightly different, analysis indicated that the waters of both orchards did not induce toxicity in Rocha pear trees.
Human malnourishment is a current problem of society, and agronomic biofortification is a procedure that wishes to tackle these mineral deficits in human diets by increasing a specific nutrient in the edible part of food crops. Calcium is an important mineral element that performs structural functions and thus can help prevent the development of pathologies such as osteoporosis. Thereby, this work aims to study the impact of calcium enrichment on fatty acid (FA) content in Rocha pears. Thus, an agronomic enrichment workflow with seven foliar sprays of CaCl2 (with concentrations between 4–8 kg/ha) was performed in an orchard located in the western region of Portugal. Besides Ca enrichment assessment in fruits (with a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer) at harvest, fatty acids quantification and FA profile (acquired with a gas–liquid chromatograph, coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID)), double bond index (DBI), and lipoperoxidation values (with a spectrophotometer) were also attained. Increases of Ca in sprayed fruits reached 7.6% to 44.3%. For FA-related parameters, no significant differences were observed, suggesting that Ca sprays did not impact these parameters. Total fatty acids (TFA), DBI, and lipoperoxidation values varied between 0.72–0.74 g/100 g FW, 8.13–9.83 and 2.23–3.18 µM/g FW, respectively. The following FA profile was attained: C18:2 > C16:0 > C18:3 > C18:0 > C18:1 >
In the context of an exponentially growing population and resource limitations, precision agriculture techniques can improve efficiency in the agricultural sector. This can be achieved by monitorization and quick detection of changes in crops, resulting in smart resource use, waste reduction and maximization of production. In a field located in Palmela (Portugal), three foliar sprays of ZnO and ZnSO4 were performed in Vitis vinifera variety Fernão Pires, for production of biofortified single-vine wine. Field characterization was performed with soil sampling and UAVs (with altimetric measurement sensors), synchronized by GPS. Vegetations indexes and characterization of drainage capacity and slopes were then interpolated with mineral content, monitored with X-ray Fluorescence analysis. Morphologically, the experimental parcel had a slight slope (maximum of 1.10 m) with irrigation and nutrient availability in soil requiring special attention (i.e., just one-third of the parcel had higher capacity to water drainage). NDVI values reflected better physiological values in the N–NE region. Zinc increases in leaves were directly proportional with the applied concentrations in vines sprayed with ZnSO4 and ZnO; the concentration of 60% (900 g ha−1) revealed a greater vigor. In conclusion, the use of smart farm techniques and their crossing with analytical procedures allows the characterization and monitoring of vines, and a higher potential for optimization of wine production.
In the present day, there is an increasing demand for foods capable of fulfilling the nutritional needs of consumers, leading to a search for food products with a nutrient content able to promote a healthier lifestyle. In this study, an agronomic biofortification itinerary of Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Paiva) was conducted in an experimental field, located in Beja, Portugal, comprising foliar fertilization with ZnSO4 and Tecnifol Zinc in three different concentrations for each fertilizer along the plant cycle. The mineral quantification (S, K, Ca, and Zn) of whole bread wheat flour and refined bread wheat flour was measured using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF analyzer), whereas the micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence system (μ-EDXRF) was used to quantify the minerals within the different regions of the wheat grain (embryo, endosperm, and vascular bundle). All the minerals presented lower values in the refined flour relative to the whole bread wheat flour, in which K had higher values followed by S and finally Ca with the lower values in both types of flour. The different minerals were spread around the various regions of the grain; however, they were more concentrated in the embryo and vascular bundle. The values are similar for both fertilizers, with a slight difference regarding Zn values, namely increasing with ZnSO4. To sum up, as the different minerals tend to accumulate in the embryo and vascular bundle, the whole bread wheat flour presents the richest option, promoting a healthier diet for consumers.
Soil is considered a highly complex ecosystem, providing food and maintaining crop and animal productivities. Soil variability can affect plant production. Accordingly, this study aimed to compare soil chemical characteristics from two different locations in the same region of western Portugal (Lourinhã), intended for potato production. Soil was collected and analyzed for soil chemical properties (pH, electric conductivity, organic matter, and mineral element content). Through a principal components analysis (PCA), it was possible to identify that the interrelations among the mineral elements were explained in the projections of components one and two for both fields. Regarding Field A, Ca, K, Fe, P, S, Mg, As, Pb, and Zn are more correlated with each other than the other mineral element (Cd). On the other hand, in Field B, all the mineral elements correlate differently compared to Field A (except Cd), and show that K, As, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, and Pb are the most correlated with each other. Additionally, Fe and S are more correlated in Field A; however, in Field B, Fe and Zn are the ones that are more correlated with each other. Additionally, although both soils have the same pH (slightly basic soil—ideal for agriculture), they show a significantly different content of organic matter and conductivity, where Field B presents higher contents of both parameters. The obtained data are discussed, concluding that the soils, despite being geographically close, have different relationships between elements and different contents of organic matter and electrical conductivity, which may lead to differences in potato production.
Magnesium is considered an essential nutrient for humans, where about 60% of Mg plays an important role in skeletal development. However, its deficiency can trigger several health pathologies (namely, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and type-2 diabetes). In plants, Mg is especially important, being involved in protein synthesis and correlated with chlorophyll pigments. Its deficiency can compromise photosynthesis and can also lead to shorter roots and necrotic zones in leaves. Mineral deficiency (namely, Mg) in plants can lead to a global problem considering the increase in human population and the need to produce more food that nutritionally meets human needs, being necessary to adopt new technology and approaches. In this context, this study aimed to understand the mineral interactions with Mg biofortification in Lycopersicum esculentum (H1534 variety). Biofortification was promoted during the life cycle of the culture throughout six leaf applications with four concentrations (4%, 8%, 12%, and 16%) of MgSO4, equivalent to 702, 1404, 2106, and 2808 g.ha−1. At harvest, 4% MgSO4 treatment showed the highest content of Mg and P and the lowest content of Fe and Zn. Additionally, the highest treatment showed the lowest content of Mg and, on the other hand, the highest content of Fe. In conclusion, despite the synergistic and antagonistic relationships between minerals in the different concentrations of Mg applied, there were no significant changes in total soluble solids content in the fruits.
The strong increase of the human population worldwide is demanding a food production meeting quality standards. In this context, the agronomic biofortification with Zn is widely used in staple food crops as a strategy to surpass micronutrient deficiencies. Conversely, as bread wheat is one of the most produced and consumed cereal, this staple food biofortification can be an opportunity to create an added value product. In this context, a workflow for Zn biofortification of Triticum aestivum L. (cvs Paiva and Roxo) crops was implemented in an experimental field located in Beja, Portugal, and smart farming techniques were introduced. Images were collected with cameras coupled to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle before Zn foliar applications. Grain yield, test weight, and thousand kernel weight were analyzed (post-harvest) after two foliar applications of ZnSO4. Three levels of the factor were used (control–0, 8.1 and 18.2 kg.ha−1) at booting and heading stages. In general, when applying higher concentrations of foliar Zn, grain yield, test weight, and thousand kernel weight decreased slightly and Paiva presented higher values compared to Roxo. Nevertheless, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) did not reveal a direct correlation between its higher values or the increase of grain yield. However, it was concluded that using drones coupled with specific cameras is of utmost importance to decide whether an experimental field is qualified to implement a biofortification workflow.
Appropriate soil conditions are important for the success of culturing tomatoes. In fact, there are mineral elements that are essential for the good and healthy development of tomatoes, namely, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, and zinc. Additionally, organic matter and pH play important parts in the process. In this context, this study aimed to characterize a soil destined to produce an industrial tomato variety in South Portugal. As such, mineral elements content, pH, electrical conductivity, humidity, organic matter, and color (without humidity and without humidity and organic matter) were analyzed in 16 soil samples before any type of soil preparation was carried out. Through principal components analysis (PCA), it was possible to observe that electrical conductivity and humidity are more correlated with each other than pH and organic matter. However, the pH of soil varied between 6.9 (minimum) and 7.3 (maximum): in accordance with the ideal range values for tomato production. Additionally, regarding quantification of mineral elements, Fe showed a higher content, followed by K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Zn, and As. However, regarding the color of the soil without humidity and without humidity and organic matter, there were significant differences between CieLab parameters (L, Chroma, and Hue). Nevertheless, soil conditions of the field presented good requirements for tomato production, despite the higher levels of Fe in the soil and the presence of As.
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