Potential Use of Different Organic Fertilizers in Lettuce Cultivation

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of different organic fertilizers on organic lettuce cultivation in greenhouses under ecological conditions in the Samsun province of T & uuml;rkiye. Three different organic fertilizers (compost solution, nettle solution and wood ash solution) that have the potential to be an alternative to chemical fertilizer were tested. Five different applications were taken in the study, including three organic fertilizers, one chemical fertilizer, and one control without any fertilization. Wood ash solution and nettle extract applications significantly increased the plant nutrients in the soil compared to the initial values and other fertilizer applications. The highest SSC (3.8%) and vitamin C (61 mg 100 g-1) values were determined in the nettle solution, while the highest total phenolic (1650 g GAE kg-1 fw) and total flavonoids (408 g QE kg-1 fw) values were determined in the compost solution. The highest yield was obtained from wood ash solution applications (6169 kg da-1), while the lowest yield was measured from the control application with 4463 kg da-1. Similar yield values were obtained from other fertilizer (chemical fertilizers, compost solution and nettle solution) applications. The results showed that different organic fertilizers applications have high potential as an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers in lettuce cultivation.