The relationship between soil chemical properties and phytochemical contents of non-centrifugal cane brown sugar in Thailand

In Thailand, NCS products from sugarcane are traditionally produced by the evaporation of raw cane juice obtained from a pressing machine. NCS products enhance flavor and supply both energy and nutritional value through the vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds which occur naturally in sugarcane produced without molasses removal. Soil quality and choice of cane cultivar affect the nutraceutical components of brown cane sugar products grown in diverse areas. Differences in nutraceutical components of NCS products obtained by traditional processes were investigated form sugarcane planted in two different areas of Sukhothai Province, with varied soil qualities based on the same cane variety (LK-92-11). The soil classification was carried out according to the Staff Soil Survey (2014) and classified as Aquic Haplustalfs and Aeric Endoaquepts soil types. NCS products from sugarcane planted in Aquic Haplustalfs contained high nutraceuticals and antioxidant activities compared with sugarcane planted in Aeric Endoaquepts. EC and potassium content of the soils showed significant negative correlation with policosanols, total phenolics, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities of the NCS products. Pearson’s correlation indicated that higher electrical conductivity and potassium content of the soils were attributable to lower amounts of policosanols, total phenolics, and total flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant activities. We suggested that electrical conductivity and potassium content of soil should be concerned and monitored to obtain high level of nutraceutical of NCS product made from sugarcane.