Vitamin and mineral contents of carrot and celeriac under organic and conventional farming

Summary

This early comparative study examined the nutritional composition of two root vegetables — carrot and celeriac — grown under paired organic and conventional farming conditions in France. It contributes to the body of evidence examining whether farming system and fertiliser regime influence the micronutrient and vitamin content of root crops. The paper is frequently cited in the organic versus conventional nutrient-density debate, though its methodology and sample size should be considered in the context of the period in which it was conducted.

UK applicability

Although conducted in France, the findings are broadly applicable to UK horticultural practice, particularly given comparable temperate growing conditions and the ongoing UK policy interest in organic certification, soil fertility management, and dietary quality from domestically grown vegetables.

Key measures

Vitamin concentrations (e.g. vitamin C, beta-carotene); mineral concentrations (e.g. iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, nitrate); fresh weight yields of carrot and celeriac

Outcomes reported

The study measured and compared vitamin and mineral concentrations in carrots and celeriac grown under organic and conventional farming systems. It likely reported differences in specific micronutrient levels attributable to contrasting fertilisation and management regimes.

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