Abstract
The effect of different soil conditions on some physiological indices of Costus afer was studied in two locations (Otuoke and Opolo) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The soils physico-chemical properties as well as mineral elements and phytochemical contents in leaf samples were assessed using standard procedure. The descending order of mineral elements in location I were, P > Ca > Mg > K > C > H > AI >Na > N, while that of location 2 were, P > Ca > C > K >Al >H > Mg > Na > N. The contents of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus in leaves of C. afer in location I were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of location 2, while the iron, zinc and lead contents in leaves of the test plant in location 1 were relatively higher than that of location 2. There were also marked variations in phyto chemical contents in leaves of the test plant between the two locations. This study indicates that soil factors have a considerable influence on the mineral elements and phytochemical contents of Costus afer.
Highlights
The contents of nutrients in plants are affected by certain factors such as plant species, and varieties, total nutrient supply in soils and factors regulating their availability to plants (Brady and Weil, 2000, Smith and Smith, 1990)
According to Martinez-Ballesta et al, 2010, the contents of mineral elements present in plants are influenced by factors such as genetic properties of the crop species, climatic conditions, soil characteristics and the degree of maturity of the plant during harvest
Yenagoa is located at coordinates of 4° 55'N and 6° 15'E, and Bayelsa State is situated in the heaviest rainfall area of Nigeria with a mean minimum monthly temperature that ranges from 25oC to 31oC (Niger Delta Source, 2014)
Summary
The contents of nutrients in plants are affected by certain factors such as plant species, and varieties, total nutrient supply in soils and factors regulating their availability to plants (Brady and Weil, 2000, Smith and Smith, 1990). It is important to note that the effects of these factors vary considerably from one nutrient element to another (Ames, 1997, Etukudo and Osim., 2018). According to Martinez-Ballesta et al, 2010, the contents of mineral elements present in plants are influenced by factors such as genetic properties of the crop species, climatic conditions, soil characteristics and the degree of maturity of the plant during harvest. The constituents of organic matter, which include living organisms, excretory products, and decay products, have much influence on the physiological composition in plants (Ames, 1997, Apoxi et al, 2000)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
