This study aimed to assess the effects of mulch and organic fertilization on soil temperature and moisture, the incidence of weeds and yield of lettuce. The experimental design was a randomized block in a 3 x 3 factorial, including tifton, napier grass and lack of covering combined with cattle manure, chicken manure and no fertilizer. We analyzed the variables temperature and soil moisture, number of leaves produced per lettuce head, fresh weight and dry weight of lettuce shoots and weeds, and the phytosociological survey of infesting weed. Plants fertilized with chicken manure had greater fresh and dry weights compared to unfertilized plants. The application of tifton provided increased dry weight of lettuce, which may be associated with the lower temperature of plots that received this material as mulch. The species Commelina benghalensis was the most relevant weed in the organic cultivation. The application of organic fertilizers and mulch with grass was not able to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture in areas of cultivation of lettuce.
temperature; soil moisture; weed community; Commelina benghalensis L
