Nutritional Value of Different Kenaf Leaves (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Varieties Enhanced by Using Different Concentrations of Humic Acid

Abstract

Nutritive value of kenaf leaves encourages researchers to do researching, due to its distinction of some areas like; medicinal plant, source of food for human and as feedstock for animals. The objective of the study is to improve nutritive components of kenaf leaves from different varieties by adding some concentrations of humic acid. The kenaf varieties were FH952, HC95 and HC2 as (V1, V2 and V3), respectively, and humic acid concentrations were 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/4L water m-2 as (H0, H1, H2 and H3), respectively. The experiment was conducted at two locations; Grdarasha Field and Ainkawa Research Station in summer season 2021. The results indicated that the FH952 variety recorded highest value for fat, fiber, moisture, carbohydrate and energy content, which were (7.69%, 19.29%, 3.88%, 40.64% and 2629.95 k.cal), respectively. While, highest value for protein and ash contents were recorded by HC95 and HC2 which were (16.57% and 14.75%), respectively. In addition, 1.5 g/4L water m-2 of humic acid application showed an increase in leave contents including; protein 16.68%, fiber 20.25%, moisture 4.11%, carbohydrate 40.47% and energy 2541.52 k.cal. However, from the interaction factors V2H3 had maximum protein by almost (17.23%), and carbohydrate (40.76%). Also, maximum fat was found by (7.15%) and the energy (2708.01k.cal), with the VIH3 treatment. These facts showed that applying other doses of humic acid may cause to enhance quantity and quality of nutrient components of kenaf leaves.