Mineral and Nitrogen Content in the Leaves and Pods of Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst (Caesalpinaceae) in Burkina Faso

Jean Paul BAZONGO, Lassané OUÉDRAOGO, Madjelia Cangré Ebou DAO, Mamoudou TRAORÉ

Abstract


The woody species P. reticulatum used for food and fodder purposes can be used as a food supplement for humans and animals in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study is to determine the mineral and nitrogen content in the leaves and pods of P.reticulatum from four soils. Samples of leaves and pods were collected in 4 soil types (FLIPP, FLIMP, FLTC, and BEHV/F) along a North-South toposequence in Yilou (Burkina Faso). Minerals such as potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na) and potassium (K), and nitrogen content were evaluated. The results indicate that there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the calcium content of leaves and pods in FLIMP soils with values of 5053 ± 516 mg/kg and 6400 ± 255 mg/kg respectively. The content in K, Mg, and Na shows no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the leaves and pods of the soils studied. The higher nitrogen rate (2.74 ± 0.22%) was found in pods from FLIMP soil. The Ca/P ratios are between 3 and 5 in the leaves and pods which is in line with the standard oscillating between 1 and 7 corresponding to the ideal ratio for animals. The lowest Ca/Mg ratio (1.6) is from the FLIPP soil pod. The Na/K ratio in leaves and pods is less than the ideal ratio of 1:3 intakes for humans. The leaves and pods of P. reticulatum are thought to be a good source of minerals for food, medicine, fodder, and fertilization.


Keywords


Piliostigma reticulatum (DC.) Hochst., soils, leaf, pod, nitrogen, mineral

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