Seasonal Variation in the Nutrient Composition of the Foliage of Young Jatropha Stand.

The seasonal fluctuation in the nutrient concentrations, their relationships and remobilization in Jatropha curcas (L.) were quantified in field studies. Very young, young, mature and old leaves were collected during alternate months for a period of one year (June, August, October, December, February, and April) to determine the concentration of nutrient elements viz., N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. Significantly higher concentrations of N, P and K were observed in June, August and February in all types of leaves compared with other sampling months. On the basis of very young to old leaves nutrient ratio, nutrients ratio were separated into a group (N, P, K, S, Cu and Zn) with large ratio and another group (Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn) with small ratio. Nitrogen, P and K concentrations were significant and negatively correlated with Ca and Mg. Significant fluctuations of N/P, K/Ca, K/Mg and Ca/Mg ratios were observed in different leaves of jatropha all the samples.