Potential use of different organic fertilizers in lettuce cultivation

Abstract

Background: 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 Türkiye. Three different organic fertilizers (compost solution, nettle solution and wood ash solution) were experimented with as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. A control treatment without any fertilizers was also included. Results: Wood ash solution and nettle extract treatments significantly increased soil and plant nutrients. The highest SSC (3.8%) and vitamin C (61 mg 100g^-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 treatments (6169 kg da^-1). Conclusions: The results showed that nettle extract and wood ash solution could provide effective fertilizers to achieve high yield and quality in organic lettuce cultivation. It is recommended to investigate combinations of nettle and wood ash solutions in different proportions for edible leafy species.