Effect of biodynamic preparations on the soil biological and agrochemical properties and coloured potato tubers quality

Abstract

The aim of this research, which was undertaken in three years (2013-2015), was to evaluate the effect of biodynamic (BD) preparations 500 and 501 on soil biological and agrochemical properties and potato tuber quality. The soil samples were analyzed for: available phosphorus, available potassium, ammonia nitrogen, nitrogen (sum of nitrate and nitrite nitrogen) and mineral nitrogen. The potato samples were analyzed for: total polyphenols content, total anthocyanin’s content and antiradical activity. The research revealed that significantly the highest concentrations of available phosphorus, available potassium, nitrogen and mineral nitrogen in the soil throughout the growing season were identified on the 14th day after soil application of BD preparation 500 (before potato planting). As well as, soil spray application of BD preparation 500 resulted in higher enzyme activity (urease and saccharase). When the BD preparation 501 was applied, the content of total phenolic compounds in the tubers of cultivars Blue Congo and Red Emmalie was significantly higher, 20.1% and 5.4%, respectively; the content of anthocyanins were significantly higher in the tubers of three tested cultivars. However, the application of this preparation did not have any effect on the content of total phenolic compounds and on the antioxidant activity of Vitelotte tubers. The use of both preparations (500+501) had significant effects only on anthocyanins accumulation in the tubers of Blue Congo and Vitelotte. The application of preparation 500 significantly decreased the content of anthocyanins in the tubers of cvs. Red Emmalie and Vitelotte.

Characterization of Bioactive Compounds in Colored Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Cultivars Grown with Conventional, Organic, and Biodynamic Methods

“…Lately, colored potatoes have attracted the attention of scientists and consumers, for their sensual attraction, nutritional value, and antioxidant activities. These potatoes are rich in polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamin C [3,4].…”

“…It remains necessary to compare different farming systems and to evaluate the potential benefits of biodynamic farming. Our previous research showed that biodynamic preparations promoted the activity of soil enzymes and the accumulation of some bioactive compounds in the potato tubers with a colored flesh [4,23]. However, the application of this system, as well as a comparison of its efficiency with other systems, has not yet been comprehensively investigated and applied by farmers.…”

Potato with Colored Flesh Valuable and Attractive to the Consumer

“…In recent years, colored (yellow, red and purple) potatoes have attracted the attention of researchers and consumers in view of their antioxidant activity, taste and appearance [Jariene et al, 2015]. According to Vaitkevičienė et al [2019] the interest in cultivars with colored flesh is growing, especially among the proponents of healthy eating. For the consumer, the morphological features, which determine the attractive appearance of the tubers, as well as the cooking ones, particularly non-darkening of raw and cooked flesh, low tendency to overcook, and suitability for making preparations, are very important [Zgórska, 2013].…”

Studies of the Variability of Biologically Active Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Organically, Biodynamically, and Naturally Grown and Fermented Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) Leaves

“…These soil microorganisms produce many compounds that help plants, including substances that combine with soil minerals and make them more available to plant roots. The presence of soil microorganisms at least partially explains the trend showing a higher mineral content of organic food crops, which is associated with a higher quality of the plant material [ 5 , 6 ].…”