Journal ID : AMA-12-06-2025-13558
[This article belongs to Volume - 56, Issue - 06]
Total View : 350

Title : Assessment of the Impact on Soil Physico-Chemical and Leaf Properties of Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera L.) in mid hills of North-Western Himalayas

Abstract :

Plants derive essential resources like water, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus, therefore have an enormous effect on changing the physicochemical properties of soil and leaves. In the current study, we have attempted to find out if Moringa oleifera (drumsticks) which are grown under Nahan, forest division of Himachal Pradesh, had any effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil. Three locations were selected from each one of the four blocks and soil samples were collected under the canopy of Moringa oleifera for evaluation of physicochemical properties. Most of the soil is classified as sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Soil pH was found to be neutral. The EC values were also found to be within the safe limits (<0.8 dS m-1). The soil has been categorized as high organic carbon, P, K, Ca, Mg, SO42-, Cu, Fe and Mn. However, N and Zn content was recorded to be within the medium range. The content of leaf N, P, K, S, Fe, Cu and Mn content was in the high range. Moringa leaves contain an adequate amount of chlorophyll and protein content. Soil EC was important and positively associated with soil P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Mn, whereas organic carbon content of soil is important and positively associated with soil total N, total P, total K, total Ca, total Mg and total Mn. A significant correlation between soil and leaf nutrient content revealed that the soil and leaf analysis used in synchronicity exhibits more reliable information on nutritional status depicting trees with good uptake of nutrients. In addition a comprehensive analysis of their chemical composition, nutritional value and antioxidant potential provided strong dietary recommendations, reinforcing their role as a beneficial component of a balanced diet.

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