Lettuce production under the effect of cow urine application in a protected environment

Abstract

Lettuce is a leafy vegetable traditionally cultivated by family farmers who employ sustainable techniques in their cultivation, such as the use of alternative solutions for fertilization, seeking resources available on the properties, such as cow urine in nitrogen fertilization. The use of materials is fundamental to promote the sustainability of agriculture and the conservation of the environment, reducing nutrient losses and optimizing their use. The cultivation of plants in greenhouses can provide an increase in their production and productivity, in view of the environment better controlling climatic factors. In view of the above, the present work aimed to evaluate the productive performance of the (Maravilha, Romana, Romana white, Regina and Regina de Verão) lettuce varieties, submitted to the application of cow urine via soil in a protected environment. The variables number of leaves (NF), plant height (AP), average diameter (DM); shoot green mass, shoot dry mass, root green mass and root dry mass. Cow urine provided better results for all demonstrated varieties, with Regina having the best performance for NF and DM and the white Romana variety having the best results for the other variables. Cow urine, as a natural fertilizer, applied via soil, is an alternative to increase the development and growth of lettuce.