The use of organic manure for lettuce plants grown under nft conditions

Abstract

The current study was conducted with lettuce, Lactuca sativa plants with four treatments. inorganic fertilizer (control), chicken manure, pigeon manure and buffalo manure, for two seasons under nutrient film technique (NFT) conditions. The electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution was maintained between 1.8-2 mmhos cm'1 while pH ranged between 5.5 and 6.5. Head fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll content and mineral composition (total NO3-N, P, K, Ca, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu) were determined. Yield of control treatment was the best, followed by chicken manure, pigeon manure and finally buffalo manure. Mineral composition of lettuce plants was influenced by different used treatments. This study suggested that chicken manure, with some modification, can be used as an organic source, under nutrient film technique system. It can be considered a safe source of required nutrients by plant, human and environment.