Carbon and Nitrogen Content in leaf Tissue of Different Plant Species, Northeastern Mexico

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine carbon and nitrogen content among 40 plant species of diverse growth habit with a view to select species with high carbon fixation (carbon content) and nitrogen content. In this study, we selected few species with high carbon fixation such as Eugenia caryophyllata (51.66%), Litsea glauscensens (51.54%), Rhusvirens (50.35%), Gochantia hypoleuca (49.86%), Pinus arizonica (49.32%), Eryobotrya japonica (47.98%), Tecoma stans (47.79%), Rosamarinus of­ficinalis (47.77%). Few of these species could be recommended for plantation in CO₂ polluted areas to reduce carbon load. In addition these, high carbon concentration could serve as good source of energy. We selected few species with high nitrogen content such as Mimosa malacophylla (8.44%), Capscicum annuum (6.84%), Moringa oleifer (6.25%), Azadirachta indica (5.85%), Eruca sativa (5.46%), Rosamarinus officinalis (5.40%), Mentha piperita (5.40%). These species could serve as good sources of nitrogen for health care. We selected few species with high C/N ratio such Arbutus xalapensis (26.94%), Eryngium heterophyllum (24.29%), Rhus virens (22.52%), Croton suaveleons (20.16%), Cinnamomum verum (19.89%) which may be related to high production of secondary metabolites and antioxidants.