The Effects of Vermicompost on Yield and Some Growth Parameters of Lettuce

Abstract

Due to its importance for organic agriculture, one of the most important agricultural production systems, various sources have been proposed to increase soil organic matter content. Vermicompost is one of those sources known as the resistant last form of farmyard manure which is degraded by earthworms. Soil organic matter or humus and their compounds are nutrient sources that increase physical, chemical and biological quality of soil. Humus and humus compounds improve soil physical, chemical and biological quality parameters increasing rhizosphere aeration and water holding capacity, rehabilitating soil structure, providing plant nutrients and constituting natural media for microorganisms with their regulative effects on soil reactions. In this study, the effects of vermicompost on yield and some growth parameters of lettuce were investigated. For this purpose, a random block designed experiment with 5 different applications was conducted in 3 replicates. The applications were control, vermicompost applications of 100 kg, 200 kg and 300 kg per decare and conventional fertilization. According to the results obtained, yield and growth parameters were improved by vermicompost application when compared to control and conventional fertilization. As a result of this study, it was concluded that 300 kg vermicompost/da is a promising application in lettuce production for optimal yield and soil improvement.

Keywords

• Soil organic matter
• vermicompost
• soil quality
• lettuce
• yield