The effects of mineral and organic fertilizers on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) investigated by multiparameters analyses and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

The aim of this research was to verify the effects of the mineral (F) or organic fertilization (compost, C or manure, M) on the productivity and the nutritional characteristics of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) and on the soil residual fertility. The plants were grown in open fields and harvested at consumer's maturation time (June and July). The nutrient contents and some quality indexes were determined using chemical analyses. Magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy (MRI) was utilized to study water distribution and the morphology in differently fertilized zucchini. The highest productivity was reached using the amendment with compost. The amendment with manure caused the increase in the total organic carbon concentration of soil with respect to the compost or mineral fertilization. Few significant differences were determined in nutrient contents of differently fertilized zucchini. No differences were highlighted in the internal morphology of the vegetables as demonstrated by MRI spectroscopy.