Isotope characteristics of vegetables and wheat from conventional and organic production

Isotopes Environ Health Stud. 2005 Sep;41(3):223-8. doi: 10.1080/10256010500230072.

Abstract

Multielement isotope ratio analysis was checked for its suitability as a means for the discrimination between agricultural products from integrated/conventional or organic production, respectively. Differences were mainly found for delta15N-values. Paprika and tomatoes from organic production in greenhouses showed delta15N-values above+7 per thousand, whereas corresponding products from conventional cultivation had delta15N-values near 0 per thousand. Lettuce, onions, cabbage and Chinese cabbage from field production had delta15N-values in the range of+5 to+6 and+5.5 to+7.5 per thousand, respectively (conventional and organic production); these overlapping differences do not permit a reliable discrimination. The same is true for wheat, showing average delta15N-values of+2.3+/-1.0 and+3.6+/-1.6 per thousand, respectively. The unexpected relative high 15N-enrichments of vegetables from integrated production are discussed as originating, at least partially, from 15N-enrichment in the soil by NH3 evaporation and denitrification.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / chemistry
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Food, Organic / analysis*
  • Isotopes / analysis*
  • Nitric Acid / chemistry
  • Nitric Acid / metabolism
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Oxygen Isotopes / analysis
  • Sulfur Isotopes / analysis
  • Triticum / chemistry*
  • Triticum / growth & development
  • Vegetables / chemistry*
  • Vegetables / growth & development

Substances

  • Isotopes
  • Nitrogen Isotopes
  • Oxygen Isotopes
  • Sulfur Isotopes
  • Nitric Acid
  • Ammonia