Assess Yield and Physiological Parameters of Lettuce Affected Different Types and Amounts of Some Organic Wastes

Abstract

<strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> The use of agricultural waste as organic fertilizers is important for soil fertility and plants health production.<br /> <strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> The aims of this study were to examine the effects of different types and rates of vermicompost on physiological and morphological properties of lettuce.<br /> <strong>METHODS:</strong> Present study was conducted according factorial experiment based on complete randomized design with three replication at green house condition. Treatment included different type of vermicompost (1-Carrot vermicompost 2-Sugar beet vermicompost and 3- date fruit composts) and different application rate of vermicompost (Zero or control, 2, 4 and 6 percent of medium dry weight).<br /> <strong>RESULT:</strong> The results showed that, the type and amount of organic wastes had significant effects on fresh and dry weight, leaf area, plant height, marketability, carotenoid and chlorophyll b content of lettuce. Sugar beet and carrot vermicompost was more effective on most lettuce properties than date fruit waste. The organic compost rate had a sigmoid trend effects on most lettuce properties. The highest and lowest lettuce dry weight was observed respectively in 2% carrot vermin compost (500% more than control) and in date fruit compost (50% lower than control). The highest amount of carotenoid (0.49 mg.gr^-1 fresh weight) was in sugar beet vermicompost (6%), which increased by 40% with respect to control. The highest marketable index was observed at (2% and 4%) both in sugar beet, which were increased by 400 and 380 present respectively in compared to control.<br /> <strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Sugar beet and then carrot vermicompost were evaluated as the best raw materials for vermicompost production; also 4 and 6 percent had the greatest effect on the growth and yield of lettuce.