Chemical and Biochemical Composition of Neem (<I>Azadirachta indica</I> A. Juss) Leaves in Relation to Soils of Different Agro-climatic Zones

Abstract

An attempt has been made to analyse chemical and biochemical characters of Neem leaves from eleven agroclimatic regions of Madhya Pradesh , Chhattisgarh and Orissa and correlate them with soil properties and geographical ordinates so as to obtain maximum productivity of desired character from that site or artificial induction of suitable environment for better productivity and the desired characters. The data revealed that the amount of leaf protein varied from 8.76 to 15.48% and polyphenols from 2.42 to 7.10%. The marginal variation in leaf nitrogen (1.35 to 2.47%) of different sites indicates that uptake potential and availability of nutrients are almost similar. Polyphenols showed significant negative relation with soil p^H , calcium content in leaves and available soil nitrogen. From the results it may be concluded that Neem trees are suited in slightly alkaline soils having better available nutrient status. Environmental and edaphic factors as well as geographical latitude play significant role in increasing productivity of the tree.