USE OF PLANT EXTRACTS APPLIED VIA SOIL IN THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF ICEBERG LETTUCE

Abstract

Lettuce stands out as a vegetable of great nutritional value, being one of the most consumed by the Brazilian population. There are several obstacles found in the production of this crop, in which the type of soil in which it is cultivated can be highlighted.  In view of this scenario, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of plant extracts applied via sandy soil on the productive performance of iceberg lettuce. The study was carried out in a field environment, in the Green Belt, located in Imperatriz, Maranhão. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks, 3 x 4 factorial scheme, in 3 replications. The treatments consisted of a combination of 3 plant extracts and 4 different doses of extracts. The following determinations were made: fresh air, stem and root mass, in addition to the number of leaves, stem diameter and length, and yield. The Mexican sunflower extract stood out, with the doses of 150 g and 225 g 4 ^L-1 of water presenting the best results for aerial fresh mass, number of leaves, stem diameter and weight, in addition to productivity. The vinegar extract showed better performance at the dose of 75 g 4 ^L-1 of water. The castor bean extract had more expressive results at the dose of 75 g 4 ^L-1 of water. It is concluded that the proper management of doses and types of plant extracts can maximize the benefits of these natural products, reducing the dependence on chemical inputs and promoting soil health.