Effect of Magnesium Sulfate Application on Selected Microgreen Species
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: This study investigated the effect of applying five concentrations of magnesium sulfate on selected species of microgreens. Six plant species (broccoli, mustard, cress, basil, sunflower, and cucumber) were treated with MgSO₄ solutions containing magnesium at concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mg·L⁻¹. The water-soluble magnesium and calcium content of plants, fresh yield, dry matter content, vitamin C, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were monitored for all species. The highest content of water-soluble magnesium (after the application of 50 mg·L⁻¹) was found in cucumber (1,076 mg·kg⁻¹ FW), while the lowest was in sunflower (369 mg·kg⁻¹ FW). The application of 50 mg·L⁻¹ resulted in an increase in magnesium content in the plants, ranging from 67% in mustard to 137% in broccoli, and up to 262% in basil. It was observed that the highest applied concentration positively influenced the total phenol content, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity in broccoli. Dry matter content (excluding mustard) and fresh weight were generally not significantly affected in any species. All species were successfully enriched with magnesium; however, it seems that each species responded differently to the application of magnesium sulfate. Although the highest Mg content in treated plants was found in cucumber, broccoli appears to be a more promising species in terms of high antioxidant activity, vitamin C content, total phenols, and flavonoids.
Source: Preprints.org
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4408087699