Farm management changes and their relationship with nitrate concentrations in cucumber

Soleimani, Reza; Shahbazi, Karim

doi:10.22034/aes.2026.543167.1112

Farm management changes and their relationship with nitrate concentrations in cucumber

Document Type : Original research article

Authors

Reza Soleimani ¹

Karim Shahbazi ²

¹ Soil and Water Research Department, Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ilam, Iran

² Soil and Water Research Institute, AREEO, Karaj, Iran

10.22034/aes.2026.543167.1112

Abstract

In order to investigate the nitrate status of cucumber produced in Ilam, 190 samples were collected from the areas where the majority of these crops are grown. All steps of preparation, extraction and nitrate concentration measurements were performed in accordance with the standard methods mentioned in ISO 6635. Using the Boolean model, it is possible to identify and analyze various factors affecting nitrate accumulation, such as farm management factors. According to this model, N-fertilizer application of more than 100 kg ha^-1 in some eastern and northern regions had a weight value of zero. The use of growth stimulants in some central areas had a weight value of one. Phosphate fertilizer application more than 50 kg of pure phosphorus (P₂O₄) per hectare in some eastern and northern regions had a weight value of zero. Potassium fertilizer application less than 50 kg of pure potassium (K₂O) per hectare has a weight value of one. According to the Boolean method, potassium fertilizer application more than 50 kg/ha in some eastern and northern areas had a weight value of zero. Good water quality has a weight value of one. In this area, water quality had a weight value of one. Limited areas in the southeast had a weight value of zero. Legume cultivation is not carried out in the southern and central regions and has a weight value of one. The northern regions and part of the eastern region had a weight value of zero. The results of measuring the nitrate concentration in cucumber products showed that, the residual nitrate concentration in cucumber was in a good condition compared to the standards. The average residual nitrate concentration in cucumber was measured at 83.2 mg/kg, all of which were lower than the maximum permissible standard limit. Based on the results, it was determined that nitrate accumulation in cucumber are related to soil limitations.

Highlights

· Nitrogen application has an increasing effect on nitrate accumulation in cucumber.

· The use of growth stimulants and potassium has decreasing effects on nitrate accumulation in cucumber.

· Environmental stresses have increasing effects on nitrate accumulation in cucumber.

· In 98% of cucumber samples, residual nitrate was lower than the maximum permissible standard limit

Keywords

Application map

Boolean method

Legume

Nitrate accumulation

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