EFFECTS OF HUMUS AND HUMIC ACID ON PLANT GROWTH AND NUTRITIONAL UPTAKE OF LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of humus and humic acid application on the morphological properties and plant nutritional contents of lettuce. Experiment was established in completely randomized design with 3 replicates including 0, 250, 500 and 1000 kg/ha humus and 0, 15 and 30 l/ha humic acid applications. The results showed that effects of humus and humic acid applications on leaf number, leaf width, leaf length, plant weight, dry matter ratio, N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents of lettuce were statistically significant. The highest mean plant weight values were obtained from the plots under 1000 kg/ha humus and 30 l/ha humic acid application at 245.68 g and 238.69 g respectively. The highest average dry matter ratio values were also obtained from the 1000 kg/ha humus and 30 l/ha humic acid applied plots as 5.93% and 5.87%, respectively. The highest average N content values were obtained in 500 and 1000 kg/ha humus applied plots at 4.28% as well as 15 l/ha and 30 l/ha gave the higher values 4.25% and 4.27% respectively. Based on the results of this study, 1000 kg/ha humus and 30 l/ha humic acid doses recommended in terms of plant growth and plant nutrient contents in lettuce.