Chemical analysis of Atriplex species grown at Nubaria in a calcareous soil

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine variations in the chemical constituents within Atriplex nummularia as well as among seven other Atriplex species. Crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, saponins and ash percentage were determined in dry matter. The content of macronutrients, such as phosphorus, sodium, potassium and calcium, was also determined. In addition, micronutrients, such as manganese, zinc and copper, were measured. There were negative correlations (highly significant) between potassium vs. calcium and magnesium. Whereas positive correlations (highly significant) were found between calcium and magnesium in A. nummularia.

A. nummularia had the highest value of crude protein content (17.51%), whereas A. semibaccata had the lowest (11.3%). The highest crude fiber was 27.7% for A. undulata and the lowest was 17.8% and 18.3% for A. amnicola and A. vesicaria, respectively. Ash percentages varied considerably with A. vesicaria having the highest value (13.4%) and the lowest for A. canescens (12.6%). Species showed varied values of sodium, ranging from 7.1%-2.4%. The sodium content of A. canescens was lowest (2.4%). On the other hand, A. semibaccata, A. amnicola and A. undulata had the lowest potassium concentration within the tissue. This may be due to competition between the uptake of ions such as sodium and potassium.