Optimizing the concentration of vermicompost tea in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).grown in passive hydroponics [manuscript]
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Date
2019
Authors
Mayvelyn L. Cabrera
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Abstract
Lettuce was grown in passive hydroponics systems to evaluate the growth, yield, and postharvest response and sensory charateristics of lettuce applied with varying concentrations of vermicompost tea (VCT) applied either daily or every other day. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments that were evaluated are: water, inorganic nutrient solution (INS), 27% VCT, 40% VCT and 53% VCT applied either daily or every other day.
Result showed that daily application of 53% VCT had comparable growth and yield of lettuce with the daily applications of INS. These treatments had significantly tallest plant, highest number of leaves, widest leaves, longest root and heaviest fresh and dry weight than the other treatments.
In addition, these two treatments maintained good quality of lettuce until 9 days at 20degrees celcius. Sensory characteristics on the other hand were not affected by the treatments applied. This study showed that 53% VCT could be a potential alternative for INS in growing lettuce in passive hydroponics system.