ISSN 2375-0723
African Journal of Food Science Research Vol. 2 (7), pp. 115-118, July, 2014. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
The effect of soil chemical properties on basic gum composition
Kabatila Bedan*, Kavat Brayant and Mishflo E.
Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Africa Nazarene University, Ongata Rongai, Kenya.
E-mail: [email protected].
Accepted 24 June, 2014
Abstract
Geographical Positioning System was used to mark the sites of Acacia senegal variety kerensis in Marsabit and Samburu districts. Soil and gum samples were collected for analysis of pH, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Soil pH (6.0 - 6.7) varied significantly (p < 0.05) with pH of gum (4.54, 4.50, 4.51 and 4.52) in all the sites. In Merrile, organic carbon in gum (0.15%) was significantly higher than 0.073, 0.055 and 0.027% in Logologo, Laisamis and Sereolipi, respectively. Soil nitrogen (0.30, 0.4 and 0.8%) in Merrile, Laisamis and Logologo were significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to the nitrogen (0.31 - 0.32%) in gum, while soil N (0.3%) in Sereolipi was not significantly correlated with gum nitrogen (0.23%) and was significantly lower than those of Merrile, Laisamis and Logologo (0. 31, 0.32 and 0.32%). Phosphorus (700.2 and 705.2 ppm) in gums from Sereolipi and Merrile were significantly higher than 412.2 and 412.2 ppm in Laisamis and Logologo. pH (4.5 - 4.54) and nitrogen content (0.31 - 0.32%) in gum from Merrile, Laisamis and Logologo were within the international standards (pH 4.2 - 4.8) and (0.24 - 0.41%). Chemical properties of soils were major factors that influenced the gum quality.
Key words: Acacia senegal, soil, gum arabic quality, sites.