Total antioxidant capacity as an important element in the assessment of soil properties for the production of high-quality agricultural and horticultural raw materials with health-promoting properties

摘要

Soil is one of the most important elements of the natural environment, which is characterized by the highest resistance to degradation. This is the first element in the trophic chain and may have a different effect on the health condition of people, primarily through the consumption of plant raw materials. One of the effects of soil contamination is the formation of excess free radicals in cells, which leads to oxidative stress. Free radicals contribute to the damage of lipids, proteins, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and disorders of signalling pathways responsible for the broad spectrum of cellular response. The result of this is the emergence of many diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, inflammation, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease. However, we are able to protect ourselves from the excess of free radicals found in soils and cultivate plants in the best quality soils. The best way to assess soil quality is to determine its total antioxidant capacity using the different methods available (FRAP method, CUPRAC method, FOLIN-CIOCALTE method, ABTS+ method, DPPH+ method). Such designations make it possible to assess the soil in terms of its suitability for the production of high-quality food or the possible need for reclamation. It should be noted that soil quality can be improved by providing antioxidant compounds to it, which in turn will increase the amount of antioxidants in agricultural raw materials. One of the ways to achieve this is balanced fertilization, especially organic, but also mineral.