Effects of nano fertilizers on lettuce growing (Lactuca sativa L.)

Abstract

By applying nano fertilizers the amount of nitrates was reduced in ‘Grand Rapid’ variety (30-50%), whereas nano fertilizers increased the amount of nitrates in ‘Austrische Gele’ variety (10-50%). The amount of ascorbic acid in lettuce was more dependent on the variety chosen rather than on the fertilizer technology used. During investigation, different fertilizing variants proved that by combining fertilization with microelements and nano fertilizers, the best result was achieved when nano fertilizers were used for seed flocking. In most cases when seed flocking and additional spraying on the leaves were conducted, the investigated parameters of lettuce decreased due to the possibility of stress. Nanomaterials, with a particle size less than 100 nm, influence key life events of the plants that include seed germination, seedlings vigor, root initiation, growth and photosynthesis to flowering (Nasir Khan et al., 2017). Fertilizers are integral part of agriculture that assist growth and development of plants. However, recently employed nano-fertilizers have been proved more efficient alternatives to regular fertilizers (Liu et al., 2006).The research was conducted in the climate-controlled greenhouse of Open Access Joint Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2017. Research focused on chemical and biometrical parameters of lettuce. Two varieties of lettuce were investigated: ‘Grand Rapids’ and ‘Austrache Gele’. The lettuce were grown for 10 weeks, watered 3 times per week. Every two weeks the lettuce were sprayed with nano fertilizers (working solution concentration 1ml l-1). Control cultures were sprayed with water. After harvesting the lettuce were washed under water, weighed and analysis of its chemical composition was performed. The following parameters were determined: the amount of ascorbic acid, the amount of nitrates, the radius of a leaf as well as the green and dry mass of the plant. Research results: the average radius of lettuce leaves planted in the compost ground had a fluctuation depending on the cultivation technology. Additional fertilization of lettuce with microelements and additional use of nano fertilizers increased the radius of lettuce leaves from 20% up to 90%. Nano fertilizers stimulated the growth of the green mass of lettuce. However, nano fertilizers had bigger influence on the mass growth of ‘Grand Rapids’ variety; the increase made up 20-85%, while the mass of ‘Austrich Gele’ variety increased only by 30-60 percent.