Effect of organic compost on crisp head lettuce production and commercial characteristics

Doses of organic compost were evaluated on crisp head lettuce production and quality in an experiment conduced in Três Pontas, Brazil, from July 8>th to August 30th. The experimental design was in randomized complete blocks with four replicates, the treatments being constituted by five doses of organic compost (0.0; 20.0; 40.0; 60.0 and 80.0 t ha-1). Total fresh matter showed a quadratic effect, in which the maximum yield of 914.2 g plant-1 was obtained with the dose of 59.4 t ha-1 of organic compost. For commercial fresh matter, the maximum yield (634.3 g plant-1) was obtained with the dose of 56.1 t ha-1. The greatest commercial head circumference (41.4 cm) was obtained with the dose of 53.7 t ha-1. The dose of 42.7 t ha-1 caused a maximum stem length of 3.9 cm. These results permit to conclude that the use of 56.0 t ha-1 of organic compost applied in pre plant provides an increase in yield and commercial quality of crisp head lettuce.

Lactuca sativa L.; yield; head circumference; stem length; organic manure