Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) as a Novel Plant-based Alternative to Synthetic Soil Urease Inhibitor Sources

Abstract

Abstract In order to achieve growth in agricultural production, nitrogen fertilisers are widely used. The urease enzyme, present in soil, vastly accelerates the pace of nitrogen transformation into plant-available forms. Rapid acceleration causes high nitrogen losses and the products of said reactions (e.g., greenhouse gases) which are released into the environment (Hube et al., Agric Ecosyst Environ: 46–54, 2017). Many countries have imposed regulations and laws regarding the compulsory use of urease inhibitory precautions when fertilising with urea. However, the inhibitors in use involve a high cost and new environmental risks. In this study, watercress (Nasturium officinale) is presented and investigated as an alternative. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) Han’s method, high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). An organosulfur compound dimethyl thiosulfinate (DMTS) was recognised in watercress extract, DMTS concentration was assessed and its inhibitory influence on native and soil ureases confirmed. The urease inhibition was of competitive character. Watercress have potential use as a natural source of urease inhibitor both in agriculture and other branches. Graphical Abstract