Novel method for cultivating beetroot reduces nitrate content

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 168; pp. 60 - 62
• Main Authors: Maroušek, Josef, Kolář, Ladislav, Vochozka, Marek, Stehel, Vojtěch, Maroušková, Anna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2017
• Subjects: Bioactive substances; Nitrate content; Nutrient management; Production economics; Sodium; Production economics; Nitrate content; Sodium; Bioactive substances; Nutrient management
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.08.233

A plethora of research studies show that beetroot is a rich source of alkaline minerals and promising bioactive substances with positive health benefits. In contrast, beetroot is also well known for its high nitrate content, which is linked to adverse health effects. The process of cultivating beetroot was modified to include fertilization with biochar that contained elevated levels of sodium salt (antagonists of potassium). The obtained data indicates that the biochar in combination with sodium led to the transformation of mineral nitrogen into soil organic matter, thereby reducing the nitrate content in the beetroot. This finding has a significant economic impact because it allows raw beetroot intake to increase, or respectively postpones the negative health implications associated with nitrate intake. In addition to increased yields (by 2.4 t ha−1), it was confirmed that biochar has the potential to increase the water retention capacity of the topsoil. [Display omitted] •Application of biochar improves activity of soil biota and water management of topsoil.•Higher activity of soil biota turns mineral nitrogen into immobilized organic forms.•Fertilization with sodium reduced nitrate intake into beetroot.