Low Concentrations of Humic Substances Enhanced the Growth of Lactuca sativa L.
Journal Title: Journal of Experimental Agriculture International - Year 2015, Vol 5, Issue 6
Abstract
Aim: The experiments were completed to evaluate the efficacy of humic substances at low concentrations on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Methodology: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) of Grand Rapids variety seedlings were grown in seven deep water culture growing units. Each unit represented one treatment, in which twelve plants were grown in solution containing limited amount of nutrients and different rates of a liquid (extracted) humic product at 0, 70, 500, 4,000, 6,000, 14,000 and 42,000 mgL-1, corresponding to 0, 1, 7, 55, 83, 193 and 580 mgL-1 humic substances, respectively. All plants were harvested and evaluated in a two month period. Results: Only one plant perished from a total of 84, indicating that the growing units were effective. Plant length measurements were analyzed for means, standard deviations, ANOVA (P=.05) and Fisher’s least significant difference (α=.05). Leaf counts and plant weight measurements were recorded. Significant plant growth was observed at low product ratesbetween70 and 500 mgL-1, corresponding to 1 and 7 mgL-1 humic substances. At increased rates, the growth was reduced. At much higher rates, plant growth was again observed, that was likely caused by the presence of nutrients in the product. Conclusion: These experiments demonstrated the efficacy of humic substances at low concentrations on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), a critical finding in the context of sustainable horticulture, in which maximum yields from minimum input would be desired.
Authors and Affiliations
P. Verdi, M. Cano, E. Liem
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP354071
- DOI 10.9734/AJEA/2015/13243
- Views 98
- Downloads 0
Effect of Xylopia aethiopica Dried Fruits (Grains of Selim) as Additive on Performance, Microbial Response and Blood Parameters in Finisher Broilers
The effect of grains of selim (Xylopia aethiopica) as additive on the performance, gut microbes and blood parameters of finisher broilers was investigated. One hundred and ninety five (195) 28 days old broilers (Arbor ac...
Adoption of Improved Soyabean Technologies in Processing and Utilization as Supplement with Local Foods in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria
The study was carried out to determine the level of adoption of improved soyabean (Glycine Max (L) Merril) processing and utilization technologies as supplement with local food in Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA), Bauc...
Cytokinin and Auxin on In vitro Multiplication of Yellow Passion Fruit
Aims: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of growth regulators on in vitro multiplication of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa. Study Design: The experimental design was completely randomized in a fa...
Potentials of Two Indigenous Plants Powder for the Control of Stored Maize Weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky)
Potentials of two indigenous plants powder derived from Acmella oleracea, Linn and Lantana camara, Linn were evaluated in the laboratory at ambient temperature and relative humidity (28±20C; 75±5% RH) for the control of...
Pre-treatment Germination Percentages Affected the Advantage of Priming Treatment in Pepper Seeds
This research was conducted to test the benefits of priming treatment and its effects on the pre-treatment germination percentages of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seed lots. Germination percentages of 12 pepper seed lots...