Use of Local Composted Winery Waste for Lettuce Production in Lebanon

Abstract

Recently, the Lebanese wine sector has been witnessing a non-precedent growthproducing huge amounts of winery wastes referred to as grape marc. The effect ofusing grape marc compost on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production wasinvestigated in an open-field experiment in Central Bekaa. Seedlings of theRomaine variety were planted in different substrates: S1: 100% soil or control, S2:75%soil + 25% grape marc compost, S3: 25%soil + 75% grape marc compost andS4: 100% grape marc compost. Root growth, leaf growth and leaf characteristicswere compared among the different mixtures. Tests showed that the grape marccompost contained acceptable values of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organicmatter and a perfect germination index ranking between 0.8 and 1 for the direct anddiluted solutions. Results showed that at early stages of growth, the best resultswere obtained from plants grown in the substrate S4. However, at later stages ofgrowth, grape marc compost with a percentage higher than 50% (S4) in the mixtureinduced lower averages of leaf number, length and width of largest leaf and leafweight and those higher than 25% (S3 and S4) increased dry matter and totalsoluble solids content due to its low water holding capacity causing a water stresson plants. Root growth was proportional to increased percentages of grape marccompost. Finally, composted grape marc provided the highest benefit to plantswhen added to soil in quantities of 25% by volume allowing the best yield increase(47%) compared to control.

<i>Schinus molle </i>Leaves Compost Improves the Growth, Quality and Productivity of Strawberry (<i>Fragaria × Ananassa </i>Duch) in Potting Culture

“…In the current study, used 20% of SLC compost was the greatest in almost parameter. Where, taken comparable direction with the previous suggestion for different composts with varies plants like studied from [16], [9], [20]. [18] recommended content of 10-20% compost in potting mixtures.…”

“…In fact, the soil structure, air capability, total ability to retain water and nitrogen level are factors affects the vegetative and roots growth of strawberry, which effect in quality and quantity of fruit. Root growth reported to be associated with the increasing ratio of grape marc compost [9]. Vigorous and rooted of Chandler and Camarosa cultivars was vaster in peat-grown and plug more than that cultivated in perlite alone or in mixing with peat or sand in the rooting unit [16].…”

“…The Effect of medium on DM% is due to its lowest water capacity, causing a water stress on plants. [9] settled that the grape marc compost with a rate higher than 50% the mixture with soil encourage the reduction of the quantity, length, width and weight of lettuce leaves, increased dry matter and total soluble solids content. The plant biomass of tomato seedlings found to have decreased with the increase in the compost rate of mixed waste processing of rose oil, discrete dairy residues, poultry manure and straw [16].…”

A Horticultural Medium Established from the Rapid Removal of Phytotoxins from Winery Grape Marc

“…The root length and weight results also suggest that the marc blends were able to supply nutrients that the carrots required for taproot development. El Sebaaly et al [51] saw similar increases in root length in lettuce with increasing concentrations of composted grape marc. The observed Achmon et al [47] used a 5% white grape marc (undepleted) soil blend and observed negative effects on the emergence of lettuce seedlings; the current study far exceeds this concentration, but with a depleted marc.…”

“…The root length and weight results also suggest that the marc blends were able to supply nutrients that the carrots required for taproot development. El Sebaaly et al [51] saw similar increases in root length in lettuce with increasing concentrations of composted grape marc. The observed differences in the lettuce were attributed to the improvement in the soil associated with increased nutrients coming from the composted grape marc.…”