Impact of nutrient management on physiological processes, biochemical properties, and

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of different fertilizers and their aftereffects on the biometric and biochemical parameters of plants, the formation of yield, and the quality of beetroots. Methods. Field, statistical, calculation, analytical, and laboratory research methods were used in the study (dry matter (thermogravimetric method), total sugar (titration with red blood salt), ascorbic acid (according to Tillmans), nitrates (potentiometric method using nitrate-selective electrodes)). Results. The use of microbial preparations both separately and in the aftereffect of organic fertilizers led to an increase in the chlorophyll content in beetroot leaves (up to 7.36-9.14 mg/kg). The yield of table beetroots at the level of 52.6-57.6 t/ha is provided by mineral and organo-mineral fertilization systems, the aftereffect of 21 t/ha of manure, and a combination of organic fertilizers and microbial preparations. Using a complex of microbial preparations (Groundfix, Azotophyte, Organic Balance) to optimize the nutrition of beetroot plants increased the yield by 19 %. The values of most biochemical parameters in the products decreased with the increase in their yield. The use of high norms of mineral fertilizers or the localization of their administration conditioned the increase in the content of nitrates (1,490-2,349 mg/kg). With the increase in yield, a decrease in some biochemical parameters of beetroots (dry matter, total sugar, and ascorbic acid content) was observed. The use of high rates of mineral fertilizers or localization of their application led to an increase in the content of nitrates (1,490-2,349 mg/kg). Different fertilization systems for table beetroot provided the additional profit at the level of UAH 46.4-142.9 thousand/ha and the profitability of 42.6-69.6 % while reducing production costs to UAH 4.72-5.61 per one kg. Conclusions. The practical value of the research was determining the effect of different fertilization systems on a number of physiological processes and productivity of beetroot plants, the biochemical composition of root crops, and accumulation of nitrates in them, which allowed us to recommend the organo-mineral and biological fertilization systems with a complex of microbial preparations. In further research, it is important to establish the efficiency of alternative nutrition optimization systems with the combined use of humic and green manure fertilizers, and microbial preparations of various directions.