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Effect of compost and biochar on the growth of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.)

Katie Nansy

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Summary

For the present thesis, biochar was used compost, which was then collected from DESIDA S.A in Chania, as well as biochar produced through the process of pyrolysis at 300οC for 4h. Specifically, the effect on the cultivation of Lactuca Sativa lettuce was examined by applying the two soil conditioners in arable soil in proportions of 1%, 2,5% and 5% respectively. 10 treatments were studied where each had 4 repetitions. A total of 40 plastic containers of the same size were installed and the lettuces were planted. The treatments were divided into 4 categories; the control (soil), compost in proportions of 1%, 2.5% and 5%, compost biochar in 1%, 2.5% and 5% and a combination of biochar and compost in dose of 1%, 2, 5% and 5%. The cultivation lasted 40 days. Was watered by potable tap water twice a day (morning and afternoon) due to the high temperatures. Throughout the cultivation, 3 measurements of changes in trunk height and total number of leaves were made. After harvesting, the rootstock was separated from all the plants to begin the analyses. First characterization was done of the soil and then of the two soil conditioners followed by analysis of all the soil samples of the treatments in terms of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity, concentrations of available phosphorus, ammonia and nitrates, heavy metals etc. In plants tissues, were made measurements analysis about the total phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations and were compared their dry weights. Finally, metals were identified in the initial and final soil as well as in plant tissues. The results showed that plants grown in the compost and control treatments performed better in terms of growth, which may be due to the existing rich organic soil and the original compost biomass which does not need improvement.

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