The Effect of Phosgreen Fertilization on the Growth and Phosphorus Uptake of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Abstract

The effect of Phosgreen fertilizer on the growth, development and biometric traits of lettuce was determined in comparison to superphosphate on two selected horticultural media. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of Phosgreen on the basis of the reaction of tested plants. Lettuce was grown on two horticultural media: mineral soil and deacidified peat. This study determined phosphorus content and uptake as a phosphorus fertilizer effect on different horticultural media. Lettuce developed and grew better on deacidified peat. Based on this study, it can be concluded that struvite is a phosphorus fertilizer with great potential and warrants further testing. A significant increase in lettuce head mass, number of leaves and rosette width under the influence of struvite was found compared to control conditions. The increase in rosette mass compared to the control was approximately 54%. The width of the rosette increased by circa 32% due to the use of Phosgreen compared to the control and by 3% compared to superphosphate. Both P content and uptake by lettuce under Phosgreen was comparable to that under superphosphate. Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd content in lettuce leaves under Phosgreen fertilization was comparable to that under superphosphate. © 2022 Friends Science Publishers