Distribution of ash, calcium and phosphorus in the byproducts of green crop fractionation

Author(s): Rajesh K. Jadhav

Abstract

The Green Crop Fractionation (GCF ) process results in three types of products : i) The pressed crop residue (PC) left after extraction of juice, which is suitable for animal nutrition : ii) the leaf protein concentrate (LPC), suitable for human nutrition, and iii) the deproteinised juice (DPJ) ,which is a byproduct. While recommending foliage of any plant species for fractionation and LP production, it is important to undertake studies on distribution of crop nutrients in PC, LPC, and DPJ. Such type of studies help in producing food and feed grade products of desirable quality. Taking this in view, foliages of nine dark green vegetables (DGLVs) were fractionated. The distribution of ash, calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) in the three products of fractionation (PC, LPC, DPJ) were studied. It has been observed that the essential minerals remain unextracted in the pressed crop, which could be used as a feed for cattle. It was also observed that large proportion of ash and useful nutrients like calcium and phosphorus are lost in the DPJ fraction, which is considered as a byproduct of Green Crop Fractionation. Present investigation reports the distribution of plant nutrients (dry matter, ash, Calcium and Phosphorus) in leaf juice, pressed crop, LPC, and DPJ obtained during fractionation of 8 common vegetables of the region and for comparison in fodder crop lucerne also.

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