dc.description.abstract | Foliar nutrient analysis is an indication of soil’s elemental compositions. However, its use has
been limited by the short window available for plant sampling and analysis since different
plant species utilize nutrients differently. With the emergence of quick, non-destructive,
inexpensive, and portable-spectral techniques like handheld X-ray Fluorescence
spectrometer (HHXRF), the merits of foliar analysis can be explored and utilized. Analysis
can be carried out both in the laboratory or in-situ set up. In this study, maize leaves sampled
at two growth stages were collected in Muguga Kenya. And were analyzed in three different
sample matrices, i.e. green (fresh), oven dry, and milled (powder). Na, K, Ca, Cu Fe, Mg,
Mn, Mo, Zn, S and P nutrients were studied using Handheld X-ray Fluorescence (HHXRF)
spectrometer to assess its applicability. Milled samples gave higher concentrations for the
elements: Na; 43.8mgkg, Mg; 3077.1mg/Kg, P; 1741.4mg/Kg, S; 1878.5mg/Kg, K;
37988.8mg/Kg and Ca; 5294.7mg/Kg; as compared to concentrations in oven-dried samples
that gave Na; 10.54 mg/kg, Mg; 956.01 mg/Kg, P; 802.07 mg/Kg, S; 1055.53 mg/Kg, K;
20550.35mg/Kg and Ca; 3224.11mg/Kg; however, there was no significant difference between
oven dry and milled samples (P > 0.05). Fresh samples recorded the lowest concentrations and
milled samples presented the highest correlation (r2> 0.95). A relation between nutrient
concentrations with seasonal variations showed higher nutrient concentrations for P;
1038mgkg-1 ±174mgkg-1, K; 22994mgKg-1 and Calcium at early growth stage compared to
tussling stage where the concentration were 791mg/kg-1 and 20409.37mgKg-1 for P and K
respectively. Nutrient content showed inconsistency depending on specific element and plant
part; K, S, P exhibited decreasing nutrient concentration from the leaf base; for example a
concentration of 5630.16 mg kg-1 and 2457.79 mg kg-1 for Sulphur at leave base and apex
respectively; on the other hand increase in concentration from leaf base to the apex were
observed in Na,Fe,Mn and Zn; Iron had a concentration of 298.03 mg kg
-1, 315.14 mg kg
-1
and 423.59 mg kg
-1 at base ,middle part and apex respectively. Copper and Molybdenum was
found to be uniformly distributed along leaf. However, it is necessary to carry out additional
studies between elemental concentration in the soil and their respective content in plants.
There is need to test applicability of the technique on different crops and sample matrix. | en_US |