Shelf Life Study of Fresh Celery (Apium graveolens L.) Grown under Different Nitrogen Fertilization Treatments

Nitrogen fertilization is useful for obtaining higher growth and quality of productions, and the use of nitrogen fertilization is widespread. To evaluate the influence of nitrogen-rich fertilizers on quality characteristics of celery, shelf life tests of celery grown with 2 levels of nitrogen and 2 different nitrogen fertilizers were performed. The treatments of the celery samples were identified as follows: T1, mineral nitrogen (80 kg ha-1); T2, mineral nitrogen (120 kg ha-1); T3, organic nitrogen (80 kg ha-1); T4, organic nitrogen (120 kg ha-1); R4, residual organic nitrogen (120 kg ha-1); and C, untreated control. Celery plants were selected and packaged in either of the following 2 plastic films: antifog polyolefin (AFP) film or microperforated polypropylene (MPP) film. The nitrate contents, weight loss, hardness, changes in color parameters, and total phenols were studied for both packaging types during storage. The results demonstrated that celery fertilized with organic nitrogen and packaged in AFP film reached a shelf life of 37 d. The control sample packaged in MPP film was not marketable after 20 d, but the same untreated sample packaged in AFP film reached a shelf life of 30 d. Practical Application We consider the opportunity to apply a new packaging solution that could increase the shelf life of the product having highest interest on the markets. The positive effect of the organic nitrogen fertilization supply together with the packaging solutions a possible increasing in shelf life, reducing almost completely weight loss, and guaranteeing better hygiene and conservation. The organic nitrogen fertilization and the packaging solution could achieve the best result for the environment and for the economic management of agricultural cooperative.