Effects of Microbial Fertisizer on Yield and Quality of Curly Lettuce Grown in Pots

Microbial fertilisers containing various microorganisms that are in a symbiotic relationship within each other and with plant roots have positive effects on plant growth, development and flowering. They can be used in conventional, organic and sustainable agriculture systems and reduce chemical fertiliser consumption. In this study conducted under greenhouse conditions, the effects of Herasim microbial fertiliser on yield and some quality characteristics of lettuce were investigated. Caipira (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) lettuce cultivar was used as plant material. In pot trials, 70% peat + 30% perlite mixture was used as a growing medium. A total of 9 different treatments were included in the research: Control (C), 100% Chemical Fertilisation (100% CF), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (50% CF + MF), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (75% CF + MF), 100% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation (100% CF + MF), Immersion + Chemical Fertilisation (I + CF), Microbial Fertilisation alone (MF), 50% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (50% CF + MF + FMF), 75% Chemical Fertilisation + Microbial Fertilisation + Foliar Microbial Fertilisation (75% CF + MF + FMF). Head height (cm), root collar diameter (mm), number of leaves (number/plant), leaf colour (L*, a* and b*), chlorophyll (SPAD), soluble solids (%SS), pH, total and marketable yield (g/plant) criteria were examined. The total and marketable yield results obtained from 100% CF + MF, I + CF, 75% CF + MF, 75% CF + MF + FMF and 50% CF + MF + FMF treatments were the highest and very similar to that of 100% CF treatment. In addition, similar or better results were obtained for the same treatments in terms of lettuce growth, colour, chlorophyll and SS criteria.