Nutrient contents of two lettuce cultivars fertilized with organic compost

Abstract

With the purpose of evaluating the effect of organic fertilizers on the mineral nutrition of lettuce, two organic composts were used: One prepared by a traditional way, and another which went through by the actions of earthworms (vermicompost), and, three different methods of application (broadcast, per hill and in the row). The organic composts (with and without earthworms) did not increase the nutrient contemts in the leaf tissue, with the exception of K. The contents of P, Ca, Mg, and S, were not statistically different frorn the chemical treatment (control). A significant decrease in the nitrate content was observed with compost treated plants.