ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: The availability of minerals in the soil affect the mineral content of mangrove leaves. This study aimed to determine the macro- and micromineral contents in the environment and mangrove leaves (Avicennia marina) as animal feed in the coastal areas of West Sumatra, Indonesia.
Materials and Methods: In this study, soil, water, and mangrove leaves were extracted from the mangrove plant's environment. The mineral contents were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer of Beijing Rayleigh Analytical Instrument Corporation (make and country of origin). The total phenol and tannin contents were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and hide-powder methods, respectively.
Results: The mineral content of the soil affected the mineral content of the plants. The soil and leaves of A. marina in the Pariaman area were richer in terms of macro- and microminerals. The soil had pH value, organic carbon content, leaf nitrogen content, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium of 5.65, 4.21%, 3.39%, 0.17%, 1.99%, and 0.54%, respectively. A. marina leaves had a total phenol and tannin contents of 24.51 mg GAE/g check the unit and 4.09%, respectively.
Conclusion: This research showed that the mineral content in the soil in several mangrove areas in West Sumatra has a positive correlation with the mineral content in the leaves of A. marina, which have a complete mineral content. Therefore, A. marina leaves could be recommended as a mineral source for ruminants.
Keywords: Avicennia marina, forage, mineral content, soil.