Caper Bush (Capparis spinosa L.) Minerals and Trace Elements Composition as Affected by Harsh Habitats in Gypsum and Non-Gypsum Drylands

Abstract

Capparis spinosa L. shrubs (Caper bush) are known for tolerating different ecological conditions. There is a lack of knowledge on the relations between the mineral nutrient composition of the Caper bush aerial plant parts according to the soil conditions where they have grown. Therefore, the aim is to study the mineral composition of soils, fruits, and leaves of C. spinosa species grown in two habitats. The samples (soils, leaves, and fruits) of the Caper bush were collected in Abkenar rangeland. Mineral nutrients and trace elements were determined in the samples of soils, fruits, and leaves, using the ICP-MS technique. The soil samples showed a significant increase in C, Ca, Mg, and S, and a notable decrease in P in the gypsum soils. However, there were no significant differences in the mineral nutrients of the leaves between the two sites, but among trace elements, gypsum-grown leaves had higher levels of Li, Se, Mo, Cr, and Sr. Apart from nitrogen, all other elements were within the normal range of sufficiency for the plant. For fruit elemental analysis, it was observed that the amount of S, Sr, and Mo was significantly higher and K significantly lower in gypsum habitats. As for fruit essential minerals, there was a slight deficiency in P, Ca, Mg, and Mn, while the levels of other elements were at the normal range. The biochemical adaptation of C. spinosa buffered or avoided the excessive accumulation of elements in the different soils. Also, the contents in the leaves and fruits were mainly in the normal range and not accumulating toxic elements.