The Effects of Compost and Fertilization Applications on Plant Growth, Development and Nutrient Content in Leaves in Cut Tulip Cultivation

In this study, grape pomace from a food processing factory was composted to create a new organic growing medium. The resulting compost was tested in cut tulip cultivation with 20% and 40% additions to the growing medium. In addition to the use of compost, chemical fertilization at different electrical conductivity (EC) levels (EC 0.75 dS m-1, EC 1.10 dS m-1, and EC 1.45 dS m-1) was applied. Phenology, pomology, and foliar nutrient contents were analyzed to determine the effects on tulip growth and flowering quality. Considering the results obtained, the highest flower stalk length (33.94 cm) and the longest perianth (42.71 mm) were found in the medium containing 20% compost. The longest vase life (8.94 days) was recorded in the medium containing 40% compost and EC level of 1.45 dS m-1. The highest branch weight (28.29 g) was measured in the medium containing 20% compost and EC level of 1.45 dS m-1. In the tulip variety ‘Jan van Nes’, 20% compost showed more favourable results than the control and 40% compost. Regarding fertilization, increasing EC levels limited plant growth. Nutrient contents in leaves increased macro and micro element contents with increasing EC levels and compost rates. In this study, it is suggested that the use of 20% compost can be used as an alternative organic material in growing media.