An ecology study conducted at the University of Limpopo (UL) has found that soil nutritional composition improves where Moringa grows, particularly in areas where the trees were planted more than three years.
Yield characteristics, carbon capture, and chemical composition of Moringa oleifera under diverse planting population and agro-ecological conditions of the Limpopo Province”, which showed that soil nutritional composition differed with soil textural classes, with clay soils recording higher nutrient values.
The study investigated and generated knowledge on Moringa growth, nutritional composition, seed and oil yield production, and drought response using gaseous exchange parameters as influenced by plant density in Limpopo Province. “Regardless of planting density, Moringa leaves contain a high level of nutrients even in marginal production areas. Where temperatures are favourable for improved farmer livelihoods, a population of 5000 plants ha-1 can be used for seed and oil yield production,” said Prof Bopape-Mabapa.
Furthermore, the study, published in the Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality, demonstrated Moringa’s superiority in capturing more carbon among the three species. Moringa maintained good leaf yield under drought conditions, indicating its potential to act as a good carbon dioxide sink.
Moringa oleifera is defined in the study as a multipurpose fast-growing tree that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world due to its numerous benefits. According to the study, the benefits include medicinal use, industrial use, soil fertility, water purification, climate change mitigation, and nutritional value for humans and livestock.
Prof. Bopape-Mabapa said the study was prompted by the realisation that climate change has a direct impact on agroecosystem functioning, resulting in declined agricultural production and increased food insecurity. “One of the most recent challenges confronting humanity is ensuring proper food security in the face of climate change. This indicates the need for immediate action to reduce vulnerability and strengthen resilience in food systems in order to improve access to nutritious food.”
Her research demonstrates a close relationship between the environment and the development of a sustainable food system. As a result, she believes that there is a need to investigate this link to address the looming climatic and environmental challenges in the agricultural sector.
By Evans Khalo