Effects of fermented growing media mixed with durian leaves, chicken manure, and vermicompost on growth and yield of red oak lettuce

Abstract

This research aimed to study the potential of local agricultural wastes, namely coconut coir, chopped coconut husks, durian leaves, vermicompost, and chicken manure, to develop suitable planting media for the growth and yield of red oak lettuce. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 6 treatments and 5 replications. The control treatment (T1) consisted of a basal mixture of soil, coconut coir, and chopped coconut husks. The subsequent treatments were supplemented with durian leaves (T2), vermicompost (T3), chicken manure (T4), a combination of chicken manure and durian leaves (T5), and a combination of vermicompost and durian leaves (T6). All planting media were composted for 60 days prior to planting, and the data of plant growth were collected at 42 days after transplanting. The chemical property analysis after composting revealed that the media containing chicken manure exhibited significantly higher electrical conductivity and primary macronutrient contents compared to other treatments, influencing the growth of red oak lettuce under a chemical-free production system. Treatment 5 yielded the highest of plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, leaf greenness, fresh weight, and dry weight, followed by Treatment 4, which showed no significant statistical difference. Conversely, the control treatment produced the lowest yield. In conclusion, planting media developed from agricultural wastes, particularly the combination of chicken manure and durian leaves, demonstrating at high potential as an efficient alternative. This approach can effectively reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers while promoting cost-effective and sustainable resource utilization.