Mineral composition of kale genotypes grown in three soils

The leafy kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is known as valuable source of different minerals. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of two kale genotypes cultivation in three phosphorus deficient soils common for coastal Croatia, on mineral composition of shoots and roots. The study was conducted in a greenhouse located in Split, Croatia during winter 2012. Plants of kale genotypes, cultivar 'Red Russian' and Croatian accession Pula were planted in (3 L) pots filled with three soils: Rhodic cambisol NDASH terra rossa, Rendzic leptosol, and Fluvisol Eutric Calcaric. The design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Shoot and root samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma NDASH optical emission spectrometry for Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mo concentrations. In the shoots, concentrations of all minerals were significantly affected by cultivation in different soil. Also, genotypes differed in Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn concentrations, while interactive effect of soil type and genotype were noted for Mn, Zn, and Cu. In the roots, all minerals significantly varied depending on soil type, while genotypes differed in Ca, Mg, Zn, and Mo. The interaction of genotype and soil type was significant for Ca, Mg, and Mo concentrations in roots. Mineral composition of kale tissues can be result of different chemo-physical soil characteristics, and also genetic variability in nutrient uptake and translocation.