Effect of Vermicompost on Mineral Contents of Lettuce (Lactuca saliva var. crisps) Under Drought Stress

This study was carried out to determine the effect of vermicompost (VK) on the macro and micro nutrient contents of the lettuce plant (Lactuca sativa var. crispa) exposed to drought stress. Then, 3-4 leaved seedlings were transferred to the pots with different proportions of VK. The doses of VK tested in the study were: 0 (VK0), 2.5% (VK1) and 5% (VK2) (w/w). Drought stress levels tested in the study were; control (KS100) (fully irrigated up to soil field capacity), moderate drought (KS50) (50% of the water supplied to the control subject), and severe drought (KS25) (25% of the water supplied to the control subject.). After 46 days of growing period. plans were harvested and evaluated for their macro and micro nutrient contents. Medium and severe drought stress increased N, P, K concentrations of plants significantly compared to control. On the other hand, these stresses caused decrease in Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu concentrations of the plant. The effect of stresses on Ca and Mg contents was determined as insignificant. However. under the stress of drought, all mineral element contents increased significantly with VK applications. These increases were mostly more effective in 5% VK application. The results showed that VK has a positive effect on mineral content of curly salad under drought stress conditions.