Changes in macrominerals, trace elements and pigments content during lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth: influence of soil composition.
Changes in macrominerals, trace elements and photosynthetic pigments were monitored at 5 stages of lettuce growth. Plants were grown in three experimental agriculture greenhouse fields (A1, A2 and A3). Soil composition was also monitored to understand its influence on lettuce composition. In general, the content of macrominerals, trace elements, chlorophylls and carotenoids decreased during lettuce growth and consequently, high nutritional value was observed at younger stages. A2 lettuces showed an increase of Fe, Al, Cr, V and Pb due to the different soil physicochemical parameters. Multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise variable selection, indicated that soil characteristics, namely, pH(CaCl2) for Fe and Cr, silt and fine-sand for Al and V, OM for Al and Pb, coarse-sand and CEC for Cr, had a key role determining element bioavailability and plant mineral content. Thus, lettuce nutritional value was strongly dependent of growth stage and soil characteristics.
REQUIMTE/Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
Edgar
E
Pinto
REQUIMTE/Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Laboratório de Química Aplicada, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
Agostinho A
AA
Almeida
REQUIMTE/Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
Ana A R M
AA
Aguiar
REQUIMTE/Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Hidrologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: isabel.ferreira@ff.up.pt.
Isabel M P L V O
IM
Ferreira
D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018545:Lactuca / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development*; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D010860:Pigments, Biological / Q000032:analysis*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development; D012987:Soil / Q000737:chemistry*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
D008903:Minerals; D010860:Pigments, Biological; D012987:Soil; D014131:Trace Elements
Carotenoids; Chlorophylls; Food chemistry; Lettuce; Macrominerals; Multiple linear regression analysis; Trace elements