Soil elemental profiles and toxic element uptake by durum wheat varieties in organic and conventional farming systems in Central Italy

Soil contamination due to toxic elements (TEs) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a global environmental concern due to their toxicity in ecosystems and the potential risk of food chain contamination. This study aimed to examine the differences in the multielemental profile of two experimental fields in Central Italy and to assess the uptake and translocation of TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Ti) and PTEs (Co, Cu, V, Zn) in three durum wheat, Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum varieties grown in organic (OFS) and conventional (CFS) farming systems. The biological absorption coefficient (BAC) and the translocation factor (TF) were evaluated to determine the absorption and translocation of elements from the soil to the aerial parts of the plants. The content of essential mineral nutrients such as Cu and Zn was higher in organically grown plants, whereas TEs and PTEs, such as Cd, Cr, Ni, and V, were more concentrated in conventionally cultivated plants. Among the three varieties, Simeto showed a greater ability to translocate Cd to the edible part (TF = 0.0341 for OFS and 0.7900 for CFS). Soil type, cultivation method, and durum wheat variety all affect the uptake and distribution of elements within the soil-plant system. Future research focusing on the edible parts could improve sustainable agricultural practices, optimise nutrient management, enhance crop quality, and reduce food security risks, ultimately supporting the development of safer farming systems that are resilient to climate and environmental changes.