Effects of bedrock on the chemical and Sr isotopic compositions of plants

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the chemical and isotopic compositions of plants and the lithology of their growth location. This relationship is one of the principles underlying the geographical discrimination used for agricultural, forestry, and food products. Locations in South Korea with solely basaltic (Jeju), granitic (Gongju), and carbonate (Yeongwol) rocks were selected as test sites, and bedrocks, soils, and plants in each location were sampled. The multi-element compositions and Sr isotope ratios ( 87 Sr/ 86 Sr) were analyzed for all samples, including various soil fractions (exchangeable, carbonates, silicates) and plant parts (tree leaves, vegetable leaves, and fruits). Based on a preliminary statistical analysis (ANOVA), Ca, Mg, K, Al, Sr concentrations, and 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios were selected as key variables with greater variability with location. Using these variables, a multivariate statistical analysis was conducted, and three soil fractions and plant parts were successfully discriminated according to their geographical origin (i.e., bedrock type) with statistical significance. The results indicated that Sr isotope ratios of bedrocks can be preserved in soils (except in silicate fractions) and plants throughout weathering and plant physiological processes, and are the most critical variable in the tracing of bedrock characteristics.

Impact of agricultural practice on the Sr isotopic composition of food products: Application to discriminate the geographic origin of olives and olive oil

“…To be also mentioned is the fact that bioavailable Sr may depend on the possibility to be supplied by alterable minerals (Reynolds et al, 2012;Miller et al, 1993;Vitousek et al, 1999;Hartman and Richards, 2014;Song et al, 2015;Fichter et al, 2015). This latter contribution is probably more important in an old carbonate-rich bedrock.…”

The Genetic, Biochemical, Nutritional and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Grown in Istria

“…578 mg/100 g dry mass). One of the reasons for these high levels of calcium might be due to the flysch bedrock, as compositional differences in bedrock can be reflected in plant elemental composition (48). Moreover, the iron content determined in the arils from Istria (0.87 mg/100 g wet mass, i.e.…”

A tool to assure the geographical origin of local food products (glasshouse tomatoes) using labeling with rare earth elements

“…Furthermore, the fingerprint is passed on to animals fed by locally or regionally grown pasture. It has been proven that plant products reflect the composition of the trace elements of the soil on which they are grown or cultured …”

“…It has been proven that plant products reflect the composition of the trace elements of the soil on which they are grown or cultured. 27,28 Additionally, trace element availability depends on various factors, e.g. soil pH, humidity, clay mineralogy and humic complexes.…”