Influence of Solid and Liquid Red California Vermicompost (Eisenia foetida) on Growth and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.)

Abstract

The intensive use of chemical inputs in the agricultural field has reduced soil fertility as well as affected human health and the environment. To overcome these problems, environmentally friendly alternatives such as vermicompost applications should be used. Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly way in which earthworms convert organic residues into compost and contribute to plant growth and development. This is the first study of two forms of vermicompost applied as solid and liquid on plant growth and fungicide tolerance in lettuce. In this study, barnyard manure was composted with the Red California earthworm Eisenia foetida (Lumbricidae). The effects of different doses (0, 10, 20 and 30 %) of solid vermicompost and commercial liquid vermicompost were investigated on some growth and yield parameters (leaf length, leaf width, SPAD chlorophyll amount, number of marketable leaves, number of discarded leaves, leaf pH, leaf nitrogen content and fungicide residue values) of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa L.) grown under greenhouse conditions. The parameters were statistically significant for vermicompost type and dose for all results except leaf pH, number of discarded leaves and fungicide residue analysis. The results of solid vermicompost application were higher than control and commercial liquid vermicompost in terms of all parameters. The highest leaf length and width values were determined at a 20% dose of solid vermicompost, while the highest SPAD chlorophyll value and leaf nitrogen values were determined at a 30% dose. The number of marketable leaves was higher in all doses of solid vermicompost application. However, there was no statistically significant difference in fungicide residue analyses in terms of vermicompost types, dose, and vermicompost type-dose interactions. Fungicide residue levels were detected above the MRL (maximum residue limits) in all samples.

Keywords

• Earthworm
• Growth
• Fungicide residue
• Fungicide tolerance
• Sustainable agriculture

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