Comparative Evaluation of Bumblebee Bat (Craseonycteric thonglongyai) Droppings and Chemical Fertilizer on Mineral Content of Ocimum gratissimum (Basil) Leaves

Abstract

 Leafy greens like Ocimum gratissimum provide essential minerals supporting human nutrition, well-being, and immune function, though mineral concentrations are influenced by soil physicochemical properties and soil fertility. This study assessed the impact of Bumblebee Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai) droppings compared to commercial chemical fertilizer on mineral content (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Mg, Ca, Na, K) in O. gratissimum leaves. The mineral element content of Ocimum gratissimum was determined using a flame photometer for Na and K, and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Mg, and Ca. The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were digested with a mixture of concentrated perchloric and nitric acids, then treated with hydrochloric acid and diluted with distilled deionized water. The resulting solutions were analyzed for their mineral content. The findings revealed that the utilization of chemical fertilizer does not substantially influence the levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, and K in O. gratissimum. Nevertheless, the concentrations of these parameters experienced a significant increase (p < 0.05) following the application of C. thonglongyai droppings in the vegetable. Similarly, while the utilization of chemical fertilizer significantly decreased (p < 0.05), the concentrations of Ni, Mg, and Na in O. gratissimum, treatment with C. thonglongyai droppings considerably raised (p < 0.05) the concentrations of these mineral elements in the vegetable. Furthermore, the outcomes also demonstrated that treatment with both fertilizers considerably enhanced the levels of Ca in O. gratissimum. This study revealed that C. thonglongyai droppings significantly enhanced all the studied minerals in O. gratissimum compared to chemical fertilizer, supporting the integration of organic fertilizer into sustainable agriculture that reduces chemical dependency, minimizes pollution, improves soil health, and enhances biodiversity.