Effect of vermicompost application on growth and yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under organic cultivation

Abstract

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is an important and commercial vegetable crop. Organic farming is increasingly popular in Vietnam. Vermicompost, an organic fertilizer processed from red earthworm and cow manure, has a positive effect on plant growth, yield and quality of plant, and improved the soil fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vermicompost named BioGrow01 on the growth, yield, quality of lettuce plants and soil property under organic cultivation. A field experiment was conducted in the spring season from January to May 2022 at an organic farm at Huong An commune, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam (N16047’2660”; E107052’6904”) with five application levels (e.g. 5, 8, 10, 12 and 15 tons per one hectare) of the vermicompost of BioGrow01. Growth parameters, yield components, yield of lettuce and soil property were investigated. The results showed that the vermicompost produced from cow manure and red worm had a positive effect on the growth and yield of lettuce. Application at the level of 12 and 15 t/ha was optimal levels produced highest yield of 20.3 and 22.7 t/ha, respectively. The soils decomposed with the vermicompost were increased organic matter and improved soil physical, chemical and biological properties. As results, farmers are recommended to use the vermicompost as an organic fertilizer for organic lettuce production.