THE EFFECT OF SOIL CONDITIONS ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICES OF Costus afer Ker Gawl

The effect of different soil conditions on some physiological indices of Costus afer was studied in two locations (Otuoke and Opolo) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The soils physico-chemical properties as well as mineral elements and phytochemical contents in leaf samples were assessed using standard procedure. The descending order of mineral elements in location I were, P > Ca > Mg > K > C > H > AI >Na > N, while that of location 2 were, P > Ca > C > K >Al >H > Mg > Na > N. The contents of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus in leaves of C. afer in location I were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of location 2, while the iron, zinc and lead contents in leaves of the test plant in location 1 were relatively higher than that of location 2. There were also marked variations in phyto chemical contents in leaves of the test plant between the two locations. This study indicates that soil factors have a considerable influence on the mineral elements and phytochemical contents of Costus afer.