The Effect of Vermicompost Applied to Different Growing Media on the Development of Lettuce and Some Plant Nutrient Contents

Abstract

In this study, the effects of hazelnut husk (HH), peat (P) and growing medium consisting hazelnut husk + peat (HH:P) mixture on the growth of lettuce and some nutrient contents were investigated. In the experiment, vermicompost (VC) was added to 3 different media at a rate of 0-10-20-30-40-50% by volume. The research was carried out according to the randomized plot design with 3 replications. According to the research results, the fresh and dry weight of the lettuce plant, the number of leaves and the length of the leaves showed significant increases with vermicompost added to the media compared to the control, and it was determined that 40% vermicompost application to hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat mixture was effective. It was determined that the root fresh and dry weight of the plant increased regularly with vermicompost applications and when the root development was evaluated in general, 50% vermicompost application on hazelnut husk+peat mixture and hazelnut husk were effective. Similarly, vermicompost added to the media regularly increased the total N, P, K, Mn and Zn contents of the lettuce plant. Considering the effect of the medias, the macro element contents of the plant were found to be higher in hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat medium, Mn content in peat and Zn content in the mixture. When the effects on the growth parameters and leaf nutrient contents of the lettuce plant were evaluated, it was concluded that the addition of 40-50% vermicompost to hazelnut husk and hazelnut husk+peat media could be used as a seedling growing medium.