Journal Article

Evaluation of Effects of Different Levels of Craseonycteris Thonglongyai Compost on the Concentrations of Some Mineral Elements in the Leaf of Corchorus Olitorius (Jute Mallow)

Abstract

Leafy vegetables are among the major sources of micronutrients that are required for development and maintenance of good health. The concentrations of micronutrients in vegetables mostly depend on soil nutrient compositions among other environmental and genetic factors. It is against this background that this present research was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of Craseonycteris thonglongyai compost on the concentrations of some minerals elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Na and K) in the leaf of Corchorus olitorius. The different levels of the compost used included the control (no application), 25, 50 and 75 g per 10 kg soil. Leaves of Corchorus olitorius were harvested at market maturity and analysed for mineral contents. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the determination of Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca and Mg while Na and K in the vegetable were analysed with Flame Photometer. Results showed that different concentrations of C. thonglongyai compost in the soil significantly (P < 0.05) increased the concentrations of Fe, Mg, K and Na in the leaves of the plant. However, application of different levels of the compost had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on the Cu content in the vegetable, whereas the concentrations of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with increased application of the droppings. The results of this study revealed that application of different levels of C. thonglongyai influenced the bioaccumulations of some mineral elements in the leaf of Corchorus olitorius.

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