RÉSUMÉ
ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between the content of 4 functional components in Codonopsis pilosula roots from different areas and soil factors, and thereby to lay a theoretical basis for soil ecological regulation and improvement of quality of C. pilosula roots. MethodThe content of lobetyolin, atractylenolide Ⅲ, alcohol extract, and polysaccharides, as well as soil fertility and 16 soil factors in 24 batches of samples from different producing areas were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to explore the key soil factors leading to the variation of chemical component content in C. pilosula roots. ResultThe content of lobetyolin and atractylenolide Ⅲ in samples from Longxi was the highest, and the content of polysaccharides peaked in samples from Huguan. The content of lobetyolin was in positive correlation with soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, and available potassium (P<0.01), as well as soil organic matter, pH, available manganese, and available zinc (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between pH and atractylenolide Ⅲ content (P<0.05). Soil total potassium was in positive correlation with alcohol extract and polysaccharide content (P<0.01). Soil available zinc was positively correlated with alcohol extract and the polysaccharide content (P<0.05). Sample sites with higher PCA scores were Pingshun, Huguan, and Longxi, which were significantly positively correlated with the content of polysaccharides in C. pilosula roots in different habitats. ConclusionThe content of functional components in C. pilosula roots can be improved by raising soil organic matter content and applying specific fertilizers.