Effect of Azotobacter, compost and Humic acid on yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa CV. Alfajr) grown in plastic house

Abstract

A field trial was executed in a plastic house during the autumn season (2021-2022) to investigate the effect of azotobacter (with100ml and without), compost fertilizer at three levels (0, 1, and 2) ton.donum-1 and humic acid at four concentrations (0, 2, 4.and 8) ml.L-1 and their interactions on yield and quality of lettuce cv. (Alfajr). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The data were analyzed using SAS program (2010). The obtained results revealed that the soil inoculation with azotobacter, soil addition of compost at level (2) ton.donum-1 and foliar spraying of humic acid at (8) ml.L-1 either singularly or combined significantly enhanced yield traits [fresh head weigh(1566.67) g, Marketable yield (8.05) ton. ha-1, yield (8.70) kg.m-2, yield per house(4351.85)kg, and total yield(76.59) ton. ha-1] as well increasing the quality traits [total soluble solids (%TSS), ascorbic Acid (%) as compared to control. However, the maximum ever values of yield and its quality were measured for plants received the dose: azotobacter + compost at (2) ton.donum-1 + humic acid at (8) ml.L-1 whereas the lowest ever values were recorded for plants given no dose of all studied factors (control). The application of azotobacter, compost and humic acid is recommended for organic production of lettuce crop.