FERTILITY PROPERTIES AND LEAFY VEGETABLE PRODUCTION IN SOILS FERTILIZED WITH CATTLE MANURE

ABSTRACT The effect of organic fertilization with cattle manure on fertility properties of soils with different clay contents was evaluated; as well as the influence of cattle manure fertilization on the production of lettuce, and on subsequent arugula and common chicory grown in these soils. The experiment with pot plants was arranged in randomized blocks and analyzed in a 3x6 factorial design with four replications. The treatments consisted of three soil types with different clay contents (166; 362; 565 g kg-1) and six cattle manure rates (0; 10; 20; 40; 80, and 160 t ha-1). Batches of each soil were manured, limed, filled in pots, moistened, and incubated for 30 days. Then, mineral base fertilization was applied and one lettuce seedling per each pot was grown. After lettuce harvest, the residual effect of organic fertilization was assessed in two subsequent crops, first arugula and then common chicory. The application of up to 160 t ha-1 cattle manure reduces soil acidity and increases nutrient contents, particularly of P, K and Zn, in soils with 165 to 565 g kg-1 clay content. Fertilization with cattle manure at rates of up to 160 t ha-1 increases electrical conductivity of soils, without affecting growth and yield of the leafy vegetables. Cattle manuring increases the yield of lettuce, as well as of arugula and common chicory grown afterwards.