Determination of growth models in organic lettuce cultivation

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the quantitative effects of light and temperature on growth of organic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa). In order to create variations in lettuce cultivation, effect of two different wastes mushroom compost (Agaricus-AMS; Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus-AMS; Pleurotus ostreatus) and vermicompost applications were investigated. Plant height, number of leaves, crown diameter, chlorophyll content (CCL) and leaf stomatal conductivity were measured as quality parameters for the lettuces. Significant differences were observed in the quality parameters related to the organic fertilization. A mathematical model has been developed to estimate the number of days (harvest time) required to produce lettuce with variation values generated by different organic fertilization (r 2 =0.99).