Effects of Planting Locations on the Proximate Compositions of Moringa Oleifera leaves

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is cultivated all over the world as it is commonly used as nutritional and medicinal plant. This study was carried out to determine the effect of various locations in Ejigbo and Egbedore Local Government Areas, (LGA) in Osun State and Surulere LGA in Oyo State on the nutritional compositions of Moringa oleifera leaves. Fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were harvested from Moringa trees growing at sixteen different locations in Ejigbo and Egbedore LGAs. The analysis of the study was then based on four principal locations namely Ara tagged S1, Igbon tagged S2, Ejigbo tagged S3 and Oko tagged S4. The leaves were oven dried and their proximate contents were determined using standard analytical techniques. Ash, moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate and protein contents were determined according to conventional method. The results of proximate analysis revealed significant difference between different locations and the ash, moisture, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate contents but there was no significance recorded for crude protein at different locations Moreover, the highest level of crude fat (11.83%); crude fibre (12.42%); ash content (12.4%) and carbohydrate (49.9%) were recorded in Ara. The significant negative and positive associations recorded between the nutritional components and different locations revealed the extents of the influence of soil characteristics on the Moringa leaves at these locations. Therefore, soil factors should be considered by farmers in the planning the establishment of Moringa plantation.