Determination of copper content of Curcuma longa and Ipomoea batatas grown in mine tailing soil and garden soil

Mine tailing soil from Zambales and garden soil from the local market were investigated for extractable copper (Cu) content. Curcuma longa, a medicinal herb unusual in the Philippines and Ipomoea batatas, a local staple vegetable crop grown in provinces were planted in the two soil types on a four-month plant growth period and were assessed for Cu content using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) in the above ground, below ground and total plant. Results of the mean of Curcuma longa in mine tailing soil showed that high dry weight biomass in the below ground is associated to the high copper content in the below ground same as the above ground, low dry weight biomass is associated with lower copper content. Curcuma longa was shown to be inefficient in translocation of copper (TF1) in garden soil. Observed morphological changes found in Curcuma longa were stunted growth, drying of the lower leaves, dull green color, leaf chlorosis and burning appearance of the plant