Enrichment of mineral nutrient content of cabbage through selection of cultivars and soil fertility regimes

To improve nutrition intake of humans, it is recommended that fruits and vegetables constitute a major portion of diets. An improvement in the mineral nutrient contents of fruits and vegetables is needed to offset apparent declines in the elements in these foods. This research addressed the enrichment of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) through the selection of nutrient-rich cultivars and soil fertility practices. Conventional fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and compost were evaluated with modern F1 hybrids in field experiments. Crop production was greater with the chemical or organic fertilizers than with the compost. Mineral nutrient composition varied among cultivars but not with fertility practices, suggesting that cultivar selection could lead to production of nutrient-rich cabbage. Neither the mass of heads or days to maturation of crops affected nutrient composition.