Effect of Soil Properties on the Physical and Nutritional Content of Syzygium Fruits
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the effect of soil properties on the physicochemical and nutritional content of Syzygium cumini fruits. Multistage sampling was used to select the counties, identify, sample and collect fruit trees. 40 soil and fruits per county, were obtained and analyzed using standard methodologies. Soil pH – H20, porosity, bulk and particle density, and minerals (magnesium, manganese, sodium, copper, zinc, and titanium). Fruit parameters were evaluated by measuring juice pH, total soluble solids, titratable acids, vitamin C, crude fat and fiber, proteins, fruit maturity, carbohydrates, energy, and minerals (sodium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, iron, copper, and zinc). Results showed that, Syzygium fruits preferred a soil pH – H20 of between 5.3 to 6.9 which was significantly different between the two counties. Titanium was significantly high in Kwale soil samples (57.53±8.37 mg/kg). Particle density caused an increase in bulk density, which in turn increased fruit weight, pH, and ash content. Proteins had a weak positive correlation with soil magnesium (0.11) and very strongly correlated with carbohydrates (0.99). Mature fruits had significantly higher protein (2.96 mg/100g) and carbohydrate (36.1 mg/100g) contents respectively. The physicochemical and nutritional content of S. cumini fruits were highly influenced by soil properties.
