Application of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Lettuce Yield

Abstract

Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) has been reported to improve plant development and yield. Additional information is needed to determine the efficacy of use of MSWC for short-season crops including lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Agronomy Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran, in 2008, to determine the effect of MSWC on lettuce, cv. Baboli, growth, yield, and yield components. The MSWC was applied at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 Mg·ha−1. Compost at 100 Mg·ha−1 produced a higher yield than the other treatments. Significant differences were found in plant weight and leaf number. Correlation analysis indicated that plant weight was correlated with yield and leaf number and yield was correlated with leaf number.