INFLUENCE OF BOKASHI ORGANIC COMPOUND ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF AMERICAN LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.)

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the organic compound bokashi on the development of iceberg lettuce. The experiment was conducted in Andradina-SP. A randomized block design was used, with 2 treatments and 8 replications, consisting of a bokashi dosage of 0.5kg/m² and no application (control). Eight beds were made in an area previously fallow, without any use of fertilization. The bokashi was distributed and incorporated evenly in the beds, in a single time and in the control treatment no fertilization was performed. In each bed, 20 plants were transplanted. The root development of the plant, the fresh weight of the plant, the fresh and dry weight of the root and root length were evaluated at the time of harvest. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey's test at 5% probability, using the AgroEstat statistical program. The fresh weight of the plant was the only variable analyzed that presented a statistically significant difference. It was concluded that the use of bokashi provided higher fresh weight of plants. By making use of this organic practice, ecological and economic advantages are obtained, giving preference to producing the compost on the property, aiming to reduce production costs.