Abstract
A Greenhouse experiment was conducted to identify the suitable dose of organic fertilizer for lettuce production. Different doses of organic fertilizer (6.5, 13 and 26 t ha-1) and the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDCF) as standard were selected for this experiment. Application of 13 t ha-1 organic fertilizer significantly increased leaf size (length and breadth) of lettuce. This treatment also increased 14, 25, 21, 32, 24, 27, 36 and 168% fresh weight, dry weight, N, P, K, Ca, Mg & Na uptake over RDCF, respectively. Organic matter content was increased of 17.79, 43.82 and 89.89% in 6.5, 13 and 26 t ha-1 organic fertilizer treated plots respectively over recommended dose of chemical fertilizers. Data also indicated that organic fertilizer @ 26 t ha-1 resulted in significant increase in pH, total nitrogen (24%), organic matter (90%) and Zn (29%) compared to RDCF and decreased electrical conductivity, mineral nitrogen (NH4 +-N & NO3 --N) and cadmium and lead (Cd & Pb) in soil. Positive and significant correlation was observed on yield and yield attributes of lettuce and soil nitrogen, organic matter with pH, total nitrogen with mineral nitrogen and negative correlation was found with applied organic fertilizer with cadmium and lead. Based on these results, organic fertilizer @ 13 t ha-1 without chemical fertilizer could be recommended to increase lettuce yield as well as mitigate heavy metals in soil.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 93-102 (2017)
Highlights
Lettuce is one of the most important commercial vegetables and major food items in Republic of Korea
A controlled glasshouse experiment was conducted at Daegu University, Kyongsan, Daegu in Republic of Korea to compare the performance of organic fertilizer doses and recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDCF) on growth and yield of lettuce, nutrient uptake and their effect on soil chemical properties
Data regarding the effect of organic fertilizer rates and the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDCF) on plant height, leaf number, leaf length and breadth are summarized in table 2
Summary
Sole use of chemical fertilizers often declines soil fertility and the resultant crop productivity due to nutrient imbalance in soil, which has been recognized as one of the most important factors that limit crop yield. The use of mineral fertilizers in lettuce growth is a common agricultural practice that brings satisfactory results in terms of yield, consumer’s health, production cost and product quality should be considered. Knowing that leafy vegetables respond well to organic manure results obtained from an experiment with arugula and lettuce, concluded that organic matter mineralization contributed for nutrients to plants supplying their needs during development, because the area was managed with organic practices about five years (Oliveira et al, 2010). This study aimed at evaluating the effect of compost rates and recommended dose of mineral (RDM) fertilizers on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and soil properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
