The Effect of Fertilisation Method on Selected Elements Content in Tomatoes (Lycopersicon lycopersicum)

Abstract

Fermented pig slurry was used for two kinds of tomatoes fertilisation as a replacement of industrial mineral fertilisers in three-year experiment and selected elements (Pb, Cd, As, Zn and Hg) content were monitored by the AAS method. The results obtained showed that anaerobically fermented pig slurry can be a suitable alternative to mineral fertiliser use. Its use as an organic fertiliser also did not decrease the hygienic quality and safety of the grown vegetable products, and all tomato samples fulfilled the heavy metals legislation limits for Pb, Cd, As, Zn and Hg content. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) influences of the year, cultivar and fertilisation method were found in case of zinc content. No statistically significant differences in case of arsenic were discovered. Statistically significant influence (P < 0.05) of the year was found in case of cadmium and mercury contents.

Keywords

• tomato
• anaerobically fermented pig slurry
• fertilisation
• food quality