Variation in biochemical composition of baobab (Adansonia digitata) pulp, leaves and seeds in relation to soil types and tree provenances

The present study was conducted in Benin to understand the effects of provenance, genetic variation and the effects of soil physicochemical characteristics on nutrient concentration of baobab pulp, leaves and seeds. Baobab parts were sampled from genetically different populations and soils in different climatic zones of Benin. Biochemical composition of baobab pulp, leaves and seeds was matched to different provenance and physicochemical characteristics of the soil. Results showed that the physicochemical characteristics of the soil seem to influence the nutritive value of baobab parts. Specifically, highly basic soils, rich in carbon, clay, fine silt and organic matter seem to positively relate with the concentration of iron, potassium, vitamin C, carbohydrates, zinc, proteins and lipids. However, for those same soils, the observed relationship between the soils and baobab parts concentration in magnesium, calcium, vitamin A and fibers was negative. Soils rich in gross silt and sand were found to have an opposite effect on these same parameters.