The effect of different production systems on the content of micronutrients and trace elements in potato tubers

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of different production systems (conventional, integrated and organic) on the content of micronutrients and trace elements in the tubers of very early, early and medium-early maturing potato cultivars. Five Polish potato cultivars were grown in three production systems under field conditions. In plant material selected microelements (chemical elements essential for living organisms) were analysed: boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) as well as some trace elements (not regarded as essential element for living organisms): chromium (Cr), nickel, (Ni) and lead (Pb). The content of micronutrients and trace elements in potato tubers was modified by production system, genotype and weather conditions during the growing season. Organically grown potatoes had a higher content of B (8.6–8.9 mg kg−1) and Cu (2.8–3.1 mg kg−1), and a lower content of Fe (47.0–47.1 mg kg−1), Mn (6.0–6.4 mg kg−1) and Zn (11.9–12.2 mg kg−1), than potatoe...