THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT SUBSTRATES ON THE INITIAL GROWTH OF CURLY LETTUCE

Abstract

In this research, the influence of different substrates on the initial growth of curly lettuce was analyzed, seeking to identify the best composition for the development of this crop. Treatments with soil (T1), soil + sand (T2), soil + sand + cattle manure (T3), soil + sand + poultry manure (T4), soil + sand + commercial substrate (T5), and soil + sand + cattle manure + poultry manure + commercial substrate (T6) were used. The parameters investigated included the number of leaves, root length, leaf length, shoot length, stem diameter, fresh mass, and dry mass. The results showed that the T4 treatment (soil + sand + poultry manure) showed the most expressive development due to the high availability of nitrogen and potassium, essential nutrients for the growth of the aerial part of the plant. It is concluded, therefore, that the use of poultry manure can enhance the development of curly lettuce, offering an effective and economical alternative for vegetable producers.