Ascophyllum nodosum Application and Pre-Sowing Stimulation with Low-Frequency Magnetic Field as Factors Influencing Oat Grains (Avena sativa L.) Composition

Abstract

In this study, we tested the influence of two experimental factors on the composition of oat grain Avena sativa under the conditions of a three-year field study. The first factor (factor A) consisted of an Ascophyllum nodosum application, an organism classified in the Chromista kingdom, class Phaeophyceae, order Fucales; the second factor was the pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with a low-frequency magnetic field with known parameters. The basic organic components and mineral composition of the grain were tested. It was determined, among other things, that fertilization with algae leads to reduced ash content in oat grain, increased content of sodium, reduced calcium and iron content, and increased content of starch components (amyloses and amylopectins). The application of pre-sowing seed stimulation resulted in increased copper content in the progeny. No significant interactions could be observed between the factors in forming the chemical composition of oat grain.