Soil elemental profiles and toxic element uptake by durum wheat varieties in organic and conventional farming systems in Central Italy

Summary

This field study in Central Italy compared multielemental profiles and element uptake in three durum wheat varieties grown under organic and conventional farming systems. Organic systems resulted in higher concentrations of essential nutrients (Cu, Zn) in grain, whilst conventional systems showed elevated accumulation of toxic and potentially toxic elements (Cd, Cr, Ni, V). The cultivar Simeto demonstrated notably higher cadmium translocation to the edible part under conventional management (TF = 0.79), suggesting that crop variety, soil type, and farming method collectively influence soil-to-plant element transfer and food safety risk.

Regional applicability

This Italian study provides direct evidence applicable to United Kingdom agriculture, particularly for durum wheat production in temperate regions with comparable soil types and contamination pressures. The findings support UK policy around organic certification advantages for food safety and nutrient density, though UK durum wheat acreage is limited; transferability to other cereals and regions with differing soil chemistry should be tested empirically.

Key measures

Biological absorption coefficient (BAC), translocation factor (TF), soil elemental composition, plant tissue elemental concentration, toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Ti), potentially toxic elements (Co, Cu, V, Zn), essential minerals (Cu, Zn)

Outcomes reported

The study measured soil elemental profiles and the uptake and translocation of toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Ti) and potentially toxic elements (Co, Cu, V, Zn) in three durum wheat varieties grown under organic and conventional farming systems, using biological absorption coefficients and translocation factors. Essential mineral nutrients (Cu, Zn) were higher in organic systems, whilst toxic elements (Cd, Cr, Ni, V) were more concentrated in conventional systems.

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