Mineral Nutrition of Plant

Address: Salaspils, Miera street 3, Tel/Fax: +371 67945417; mob.: +371 25615920 e-mail: anita.osvalde@lu.lv Head: Dr. biol. Anita Osvalde
Staff: Dr. biol. V. Nollendorfs, Dr. biol. G. Čekstere, Dr. biol. A. Karlsons, Mc. biol. J. Pormale, Dipl. chem. A. Kursule, I. Veinberga Investigations in the laboratory are focused on different aspects of plant physiology (mineral nutrition, plant protection mechanisms, adaptation, etc.) under conditions of stress caused by disbalance of biogenic elements, heavy metals and salt toxicity in the growing environment. The laboratory also works on development of complex diagnostics and mineral nutrition optimization of different crop cultures (rape, winter wheat, vegetables and flowers) with substantial value in economics of Latvia. Particular attention is paid on development of mineral nutrition regime for untraditional fruit cultures in Latvia – American cranberries, culture blueberries, cloudberries, as well as balanced mineral nutrition for tree seedlings (pine, spruce, aspen, lime trees, etc.). There are close co-operation with different industrial companies to work out and examine various fertilizers and substrates for plant cultivation and optimal mineral nutrition. The laboratory has developed new compositions of  two- and three- component nutrient solutions “Vito“ and peat substrates for different plant cultures, which are produced in joint stock companies, e.g., “Laflora” Ltd., and chemical plant “Spodrība”. Invention “Two – component nutrition solution “Vito is protected by patent Nr. 12677 (the author – Dr. biol. V. Nollendorfs). We are very proud that our colleague Dr. biol. V. Nollendorfs was a laureate of the competition 'Sējējs 2009" organized by Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia in nomination 'For Life Contribution in Agriculture'. In 2012, Dr. biol. V. Nollendorfs became a honorary member of Latvian Peat Producers Association, but in 2014, he was awarded by The Cross of Recognition of the Republic of Latvia for great achievements in agricultural and forest science. The main projects: EU financed projects

•  “Establishment of new scientific group for urban environment quality research”, ESF project N^o2013/0060/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/13/APIA/VIAA/041, 2013-2015.

• „The research on impact of organically derived products in agriculture”, ERAF project Nr. 2010/0313/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/082, contract number GSI 11/3-4-ERAF, 2011-2012.

Projects of the Latvian Council of Science

•  Project of the Latvian Council of Science Nr.09. 1549: Biological plant protection, biodiversity conservation and the role of plant mineral nutrition in global changing environment, 2010-2012

•  Project of the Latvian Council of Science Nr.09. 1361: The role of mineral nutrition in plant adaptive response to global climate change and anthropogenic stress factors, 2009

• Project of the Latvian Council of Science Nr. 05.1407: Plant adaptive responses to stress conditions caused by toxicity of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd) in substrate, 2008

• Plant adaptive responses to stress conditions caused by toxicity of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd) in substrate, 2005-2008

• Biochemical protection mechanisms of plants under conditions of stress caused by a disbalance of microelements – heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn) in substrate, 2001-2004

• The study on mutual interrelations of biogenous elements and heavy metals in soil-plant system to eliminate the accumulation and toxicity of the polluting metals for obtaining ecologically safe production, 1997-2000

• System for regulation of plant life functions in heavy metal polluted and unpolluted soils of Latvia, 1994-1996

• Balanced mineral nutrition as a factor optimizing content of nutrients in plants and diminishing excessive accumulation of heavy metals, 1990-1993.

 Other scientific projects

• “Examination of berry cultivars prospective for integral plant cultivation in different regions of Latvia and development of cultivation technologies”. Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia, 2015-2020.

•   "Research services for mineral nutrition monitoring of forest seedlings by water, substrate and plant analysis for nurseries of LVM Seeds and seedlings", the State Joint Stock company “Latvijas Valsts meži”, 2002-2016.

•  “Compartmentation of de-icing salts and structural reactions to salt accumulation in foliage of declining street trees (Tilia x vulgaris) from Riga, Latvia” (Sal-Ti). The Swiss-Latvian collaboration project, Sciex project No. 14.038. 2014-2016.

• "Elaboration of system for environmental and water friendly cultivation technologies of appropriate fruit variety assortment and integrated plant protection in different agroclimatic conditions", No 211211/C-120, Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia, 2012-2014.

• Scientific applied project with Ltd. "Rīgas meži": "Monitoring of Norupe’s nursery based on water, substrates, needles or leaf analysis", 2012.

• Project in cooperation with the JSC “Latvias State Forests” (“Latvijas valsts meži”): Mineral nutrition monitoring of pine, spruce and birch seedlings in tree nurseries, 2007-2012.

• Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia: Specification of environment-friendly technologies in fruit and berry plantations in different soil, and climatic conditions, 2007-2011.

• Project of Environmental Department of Riga Council: Monitoring of young street trees of Riga based on soil and leaf analysis, 2008.

• Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia: Degradation of Norway spruce stands in Latvia: reasons and measures for possible solutions, 2007-2008.

• Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia: Possibilities of gypsum use as soil fertilizer for vegetable supply with calcium and sulphur, 2006.

• Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia: „Investigations on rape mineral nutrition diagnostics and fertilization optimization”, 2006.

• University of Latvia: Biological basis of the conservation of rare and endangered species of Latvia: coastal zone, 2005-2006.

•  Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia: Development of integrated fertilization technologies for new berry cultures: American cranberries and highbush blueberries in cutover high bogs, 2005.

• Ministry of Agriculture of Latvia: „Investigations on winter wheat mineral nutrition diagnostics and fertilization optimization”, 2005.

• Project of Environmental Department of Riga Council: Monitoring of Riga greenery based on soil and leaf analysis, 2003-2004

 The main publications: 2017. KARLSONS, A. and OSVALDE, A., 2017. Nutrient status of the american cranberry in Latvia (2005–2016). Agronomy Research, 15(1), pp. 196-204. KĻAVIŅA, D. and OSVALDE, A., 2017. Comparative chemical characterisation of soils at cypripedium calceolus sites in Latvia. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Section B: Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences, 71(1-2), pp. 43-51. 2016.  ALLE, V., KONDRATOVICS, U., OSVALDE, A. and VIKMANE, M., 2016. Differences in cadmium accumulation and induced changes in root anatomical structures in plants used for food. Agronomy Research, 14(SpecialIssue 2), pp. 1249-1260. CEKSTERE, G., OSVALDE, A. and LAIVINS, M., 2016. Mineral Nutrition of Young Ash in Latvia. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Section B, 70(3), pp. 138-149. OSVALDE, A., KARLSONS, A., CEKSTERE, G. and VOJEVODE, L., 2016. The effect of vermicompost-derived humic substances on nutrient status and yield of organic potato in field conditions. Acta Horticulturae. 1142, pp.227-284.    CEKSTERE, G., OSVALDE, A. and VOLLENVEIDER, P., 2016. De-icing salt impact on leaves of street trees (Tilia x vulgaris H.) in Riga, Latvia. Acta Biologica Universitatis Daugavpiliensis, 16(1), pp. 33-41. KLAVIŅA, D. and OSVALDE, A., 2016. Soil conditions of cypripedium calceolus sites in Latvia. Proceedings of the Latvian Academia of Sciences, Section B. 70 (6) PRESS.  2015. 1.      Cekstere, G., Karlsons, A., Grauda, D., 2015. Salinity-induced responses and resistance in Trifolium repens L. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 14(2), 225-236. 2.      Marozas, V., Cekstere, G., Laivins, M., Straigytė, L., 2015. Comparison of neophyte communities of Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Acer negundo L. in the eastern Baltic Sea region cities of Riga and Kaunas. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 14(4), 826-834. 3.      Straigytė, L., Cekstere, G., Laivins, M., Marozas, V., 2015. The spread, intensity and invasiveness of the Acer negundo in Riga and Kaunas. Dendrobiology, 74, 157-168. 4.      Čekstere, G., Laiviņš, M., Osvalde, A., 2015. Chemical composition of Scots pine bark as a bioindiactor of environmental quality in Rīga, Latvia. Proceedings of the Latvian Academia of Sciences, Section B, 69(3), 87-97. 5.      Straigytė, L., Čekstere, G., Laiviņš, M., Marozas, V., 2015. Pest plant score of alien Robinia pseudoacacia in Rīga (Latvia) and Kaunas (Lithuania). Proceedings of the Latvian Academia of Sciences, Section B, 69(3), 112-119. 6.      Minova, S., Jankevica, L., Salmane, I., Čekstere, G., 2015. Preliminary studies on microbial biomass and the microarthropod community as soil health and quality indicators in urban grasslands. Proceedings of the Latvian Academia of Sciences, Section B, 69(3), 140-144. 7.      Grauda, D., Čekstere, G., 2015. Current investigations of urban enviromental quality in Latvia. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B, 69(3), pl. A1. 8.      Osvalde, A., Pormale, P., Karlsons, A., Cekstere, G., 2015. Differences in agrochemical characteristics of highbush blueberry peat and mineral soils in Latvia, 2011-2014. 15^th International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference SGEM 2015, 18-24 June, Albena, Bulgaria. Conference proceedings, Volume II Water Resources. Forest, Marine and Ocean Ecosystems, 101-108. 9.      Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., Cekstere, G., Vojevode, L. 2015. The effect of wermikompost-derived humic substances on nutrient status and yield of organic potato in field conditions. Acta Horticulturae. (In press) 10.  Grauda, D., Katashev, A., Belogrudova, I., Cekstere, G., Bumbure, L., Lancere, L., Kolodinska-Brantestam, A., Rashal, I. Influence of SiO₂ nanoparticles on cells of lime trees from urban area detected by flow cytometry.  Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, submitted 15.04.2015. 11.  Karlsons A., Osvalde A., Andersone-Ozola U., Ievinsh G. 2015. Vermicompost from municipal sewage sludge affects growth and mineral nutrition of winter rye (Secale cereale) plants. Journal of Plant Nutrition Journal of Plant Nutrition, DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2015.1087566,  (in press). 12.  Cekstere, G., Osvalde, A., Vollenweider, P. 2015. De-icing salt impact on leaves of street trees (Tilia x vulgaris H.) in Riga, Latvia. Acta Biologica Universitatis Daugavpiliensis. (In press) 13.  Apse, J., Karklins, A., Osvalde, A. 2015. Determination of Nitrogen Efficiency by Half-High Blueberry Cultivar ‘Chippewa’. 25th NJF Congress on Nordic view to sustainable rural development. June 16-18, Riga, Latvia, Congress proceedings, 42-45. 14.  Laiviņš, M., Čekstere, G., 2015. Nemeža biotopu pārkrūmošanās Rīgā. II. Robinia pseudoacacia un R. luxuruans izplatība, ekoloģija un augu sabiedrības (Shrub encroachment in non-wooded habitats in Riga. II Distribution patterns, ecology and plant communities of Robinia pseudoacacia and R. luxuruans). Mežzinātne/ Forestry, 29, 6-35. (in Latvian with summary in English) 15.  Laiviņš, M., Čekstere, G., 2014. Nemeža biotopu pārkrūmošanās Rīgā. I. Acer negundo izplatība, ekoloģija un augu sabiedrības (Shrub encroachment in non-wooded habitats in Riga. I Distribution patterns, ecology and plant communities of Acer negundo). Mežzinātne/ Forestry, 28, 39-65. (in Latvian with summary in English)  2014. 1.      Grantina-Ievina, L., Karlsons, A., Andersone-Ozola, U., Ievinsh, G. (2014). Plant growth-affecting activity, cultivable microorganisms, and potential use as a soil amendment of freshwater sapropel. Zemdirbyste-Agriculture, Vol. 101, 355-366. 2.      Karlsons, A., Osvalde, A., Pormale, J., Nollendorfs, V. (2014). American cranberry cultivation in extracted bogs in Latvia: aspects of mineral nutrition. Proceedings of the 55th international conference of Daugavpils University. Daugavpils Universitāte, Akadēmiskais apgāds “SAULE”, 118-123. 3.      Laiviņš, M., Čekstere, G., Medene, A., Donis, J. (2014). Structure and dynamics of oligomesic dry pine forests in land zones of the Lake Engure catchment’s area. Proceedings of the Latvian Academia of Sciences, Section B, 68, 80-92. 4.      Apse, J., Karklins, A., Osvalde, A. (2014). Nitrogen optimization for blueberry cultivation. 14th SGEM GeoConference on Water Resources. Forest, Marine and Ocean Ecosystems, Conference proceedings, Vol. 2, 199-206. 2013. 1.      Cekstere, G., Osvalde A. (2013) A study of chemical characteristics of soil in relation to street trees status in Riga (Latvia). Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 12, 69-78. 2.      Cekstere, G., Laivins, M., Osvalde, A. (2013) Destruction of young Fraxinus excelsior L. stands and mineral nutrition status in Latvia, a pilot study. Acta Biologica Universitatis Daugavpiliensis, 13 (1), 31-43. 2012. 1.      Karlsons, A. (2012) Minerālās barošanās adaptīvie mehānismi un minerālelementu nodrošinājuma īpatnības jūras piekrastes augiem. Promocijas darba kopsavilkums. Latvijas Universitāte, Rīga, 92 lpp. 2.      Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., Čekstere, G., Maļecka, S. (2012) Effect of humic substances on nutrient status and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) in field conditions. Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci, 66 (4/5), 192-199. 3.      Pormale, J., Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A. (2010) Investigation on the essential mineral element contents of cultivated and wild blueberry fruits in Latvia. Proceedings of the International Conference „Environmentally friendly and safe Technologies for quality of fruit and vegetables”, COST Action 942, January 14-16, Faro, Portugal, 108-112. Recieved in 2012. 2011. 1.      Andersone U., Druva-Lūsīte I., Ieviņa B., Karlsons A., Ņečajeva J., Samsone I., Ievinsh G.: The use of nondestructive methods to assess a physiological status and conservation perspectives of Eryngium maritimum L., Journal of Coastal Conservation,  15(4), pp. 509–522, 2011. 2.      Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., Nollendorfs V.: American cranberry cultivation for the after-use of extracted raised bogs in Latvia: agrochemical prerequisites and ecological aspects, Proceedings of the XXXIV CIOSTA CIGR V Conference “Efficient and safe production processes in sustainable agriculture and forestry” (Vienna, Austria, 29 June–1 July, 2011), pp. 1-8. 3.      Osvalde, A.: Optimization of plant mineral nutrition revisited: the roles of plant requirements, nutrient interactions, and soil properties in fertilization management, Environmental and Experimental Biology, 9, pp. 1–8, 2011. 4.      Karlsons, A., Osvalde, A., Ievinsh, G.: Growth and mineral nutrition of two triglochin species from saline wetlands: adaptation strategies to conditions of heterogeneous mineral supply, Environmental and Eksperimental Biology, 9, pp. 83–90, 2011. 5.      Čekstere, G.: Vides faktoru ietekme uz Holandes liepu (Tilia x vulgaris) vitalitāti Rīgas ielu apstādījumos, Promocijas darbs, LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, Rīga, 2011. 6.      Druva-Lusite I., Karlsons A., Andersone U., Ievina B., Necajeva J., Samsone I., Ievinsh G.: Performance of a coastal marsh plant Hydrocotyle vulgaris in natural conditions in relation to mineral nutrition and mycorrhizal symbiosis. Aquatic Botany/ iesniegts publicēšanai 2011.  2010. 1.      Cekstere, G., Osvalde, A. (2010) Young street greenery supply with nutrients in Riga, Latvia, 2007. Acta Horticulturae, Vol. 881, 573-576. 2.      Cekstere, G., Osvalde, A., Nikodemus, O. (2010) Influence of de-icing salt on K supply and street trees ecological status in Riga, Latvia. Highway and Urban Environment, Aliance for Global Sustainability Bookseries 17, proceedings of the 9th Highway and urban Environment Symposium (Rauch, s., Morrison, G.M., Monzon, A.,-eds.) Springer, 17, 337-346. 3.      Cekstere, G., Osvalde, A., Nikodemus, O. (2010) Nutrient accumulation in street greenery of Riga (Latvia) in increased salinity conditions, 2005 and 2007. Proceedings of the International soil science congress “Management of Natural Resources to Sustain Soil Health and Quality”, Samsun, Turkey, 26-28 May, 370-377. 4.      Cekstere, G., Osvalde, A., Nikodemus, O. (2010) Nutrient accumulation in street greenery of Riga (Latvia) in increased salinity conditions, 2005 and 2007. Anadolu J. Agric. Sci., 25, S-3, 192-198. 5.      Čekstere, G., Osvalde, A. (2010) Macronutrient status in the different-aged lime trees (Tilia x vulgaris) in Riga streets. Baltic Forestry, Vol. 16, 16-21. 6.      Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A. (2010) Evaluation of the American cranberry nutrient status in Latvia during 2001-2007. Acta Horticulturae, Vol. 868, 213-218. 7.      Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., Pormale, J., Nollendorfs, V. (2010) Renovation of extracted high bogs in Latvia: mineral nutrition and ecological aspects of American cranberry cultivation. Proceedings of the International soil science congress “Management of Natural Resources to Sustain Soil Health and Quality”, Samsun, Turkey, 26-28 May, 503-509. 8.      Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., Pormale, J., Nollendorfs, V. (2010) Renovation of extracted high bogs in Latvia: mineral nutrition and ecological aspects of American cranberry cultivation. Anadolu J. Agric. Sci., 25, S-2, 120-125. 9.      Pormale, A., Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., (2010) Mikroelementi (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo un B) savvaļas ogu (Vaccinium murtilus, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium vitis idaea) augšanas vidē. Rēzeknes augstskola, 12. starptautiskā studentu zinātniski praktiskā konference "Cilvēks. Vide. Tehnoloģojas", Rēzekne, Latvija, 22. apr. (in press).  2009. 1.      Čekstere, G. (2009) Rīgas Centra ielu apstādījumu ekoloģiskais stāvoklis. Latvijas veģetācija, 20, Latvijas Universitātes Bioloģijas institūts, Rīga, 136 lpp. 2.      Čekstere, G., Osvalde, A. (2009) A study of heavy metal accumulation in street greenery of Riga (Latvia) in relation to trees status. Folia Geographica, Vol.XIV, 7-23. 3.      Karlsons, A., Osvalde, A., Nollendorfs, V. (2009) Research on mineral composition of American cranberry and wild cranberry fruits in Latvia. Latvian Journal of Agronomy. Vol. 12, 65 – 71. 4.      Osvalde, A., Pormale, J., Karlsons, A., Nollendorfs, V. (2009) Mineral nutrition status of highbush blueberry, Vaccinium corumbosum L., in Latvia: problems and tendencies. Proceedings of the XXXIII CIOSTA CIGR V conference, Technology and management to ensure sustainable agriculture, agro-systems, forestry and safety, Reggio Calabria, Italy, 17–19th June, Vol.,2, 1347.-1351. 5.      Pormale, J., Osvalde, A., Nollendorfs, V. (2009) Comparative study of cultivated highbush and wild blueberry nutrient status in producing plantings and woodlands of Latvia. Latvian Journal of Agronomy. Vol. 12, 80-87.   The main publications 2005-2008: 1.      Osvalde, A., Paegle, G. (2005) Plant responses to imbalance of copper in substrate. Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci., Section B., Vol. 59, No. 3/4, 156 – 162.
Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A. (2005) Nutrient status of the American cranberries, Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait., in Latvia. Latvian Journal of Agronomy, No. 8, 321 – 325. 2.      Čekstere, G., Osvalde, A., Karlsons, A., Nollendorfs, V., Paegle, G. (2005) The effect of urban environment on the mineral nutrion status of street trees in Riga, the problems and possible solutions.- Acta Universitatis Latviensis. Earth and Environment sciences, Vol. 685, 7 – 20. 3.      Osvalde, A., Paegle, G. (2006) Plant biochemical response to imbalance of zinc in substrate. Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci., Section B., Vol. 60, No. 4, 133 – 139. 4.      Osvalde, A., Paegle, G. (2007) Cadmium: accumulation, responses to exposure and possible protection mechanisms in plants. Proc. Latvian Acad. Sci., Section B., Vol. 61, No. 6, 211 – 218. 5.      Cekstere, G., Nikodemus, O., Osvalde, A (2008) Toxic impact of the de-icing material to street greenery in Riga, Latvia. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 7, 207-217.   Laboratory equipment and service possibilities: * Atomic absorption spectrometer - Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 700, Perkin-Elmer 403; * Flame photometer - Jenway PFP7; * Spectrophotometer - JENWAY 6300; * Conductivity meter - HANNA Instruments EC215; * pH meter - Sartorius pH Meter PB-11 , Jenway 430; * Chlorophyll meter - Konica Minolta SPAD-502PLUS. * High performance microwave digestion system - Milestone Ethos One. * Determination of concentrations of heavy metals and biogenous elements in different kind of biological material (plant, soil, water, fertilizers, etc) to evaluate plant nutrient status and environment quality;
* Development of new compositions of nutrient solutions and peat substrates for different plant cultures.   Laboratory staff

Anita Osvalde	Dr. biol.	head of the laboratory leading researcher	anita.osvalde@lu.lv augi@lu.lv	26167529
Vilnis Nollendorfs	Dr. biol.	leading researcher (volunteer)	augi@lu.lv	29276971
Andis Karlsons	Dr. biol.	leading researcher	andis.karlsons@lu.lv	27044753
Gunta Čekstere	Dr. biol.	leading researcher	gunta.cekstere@lu.lv	29436586
Anita Kursule	dipl. phys.	scient. assistant	anita.kursule@lu.lv	67945417
Jolanta Pormale	M Sc. biol.	scient. assistant	jolanta.pormale@lu.lv	26770616
Inese Veinberga	-	technical staff	inese.veinberga@lu.lv	67945417