Study on the Correlation between Soil Main Mineral Elements and the Contents of Total Sugar and Starch in Chinese Chestnut

Purpose To analyze the effects of different mineral elements in soil on the total sugar and starch contents of chestnut, providing a theoretical basis for regulating the quality of chestnut by nutrient.

Methods The contents of main mineral elements in soil and the contents of total sugar and starch in fruits were determined in the chestnut orchards of eight main producing counties (cities) in Hebei Province, and the correlations among them were analyzed by correlation, stepwise regression and path analysis.

Results There were obviouse differences in the contents of N, P, K, Ca, Cu and Na in chestnut orchards soil, while there were few differences in the contents of Fe, Mn and Mg. The total sugar in chestnut fruit was extremely significantly negatively correlated with K and Mg of soil, and significantly positively correlated with Mn. Starch was significantly negatively or extremely significantly negatively correlated with N, K and Cu, and significantly positively correlated with Ca. Amylose was significantly negatively correlated with N, K, Cu, Mn, and significantly positively correlated with Ca. Amylopectin was significantly or extremely significantly negatively correlated with N and K . The regression equations for total sugar, starch, amylose, amylopectin and the major mineral elements were established.

Conclusion The content of K in soil is closely related to the contents of total sugar and starch in chestnut, which can be used as the selection index of total sugar and starch traits. The nutrients of soil have both promotion and restriction effect on total sugar and starch content of chestnut. Increasing Fe fertilizer and decreasing K and Cu element can increase the contents of total sugar and amylopectin in Chinese chestnut.