Macro and trace elements in oat cultivars bred in Latvia

The aim of the research was to quantify 13 macro and trace elements in different oat (Avena sativa L.) genotypes depending on the year of cultivation (2011, 2012 and 2013) and crop management practice (conventional or organic), agronomic practice (different N supply) and evaluate the risks regarding Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Al concentrations and nutritional aspects regarding K, Na, Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cr concentrations in oat grain. Elements Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni and Al were detected by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, and K, Na, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Mn and Fe were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cluster analysis showed that genotype and agronomic / crop management practice play an important role in the concentration of macro and trace elements in oat grain. Statistically different concentrations of elements were noticed for Cr, Ni, Zn, K and Mg among the genotypes: for Mn and Fe in grains, grown conventionally or organically, for Cr, Ni, Zn, K and Mg in hulled and naked grain, and for Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Al, K, Na and Mg among the study years. The concentrations of potentially hazardous elements were low: Cd 0.008–0.023, Pb 0.014–0.060, Cr 0.117–1.460, Ni 0.447–1.834, Cu 3.2–4.1 and Zn 22.0–32.3 mg kg ^-1 . Oat products can contribute to the consumption of necessary macro and trace elements, especially of Mn, Mg and Fe: 30.0–49.3, 1166–1486 and 33.5–48.9 mg kg ^-1 , respectively, as well as Cr and Zn.