SUMMARY/CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

Summary

This study aimed to determine the effect of decayed rice straw on the growth and yield performance of lettuce. Twenty lettuce seedlings were transplanted on 20 polyethylene pots having a height of 150 cm each and were placed on a bamboo fenced area. There were two treatments that were observed for four weeks (T1 = plain garden soil, and T2 = decayed rice straw) which were replicated ten times.

Results revealed that lettuce grown using decayed rice straw (T2) obtained the tallest plant height, most number of leaves, and heaviest herbage yield as compared to lettuce grown using plain garden soil (T1). On the other hand, lettuce grown on plain garden soil (T1) appeared to have the longest root length and have a bigger leaf area. Results implied that Treatment 2 (using decayed rice straw) showed to be the most appropriate type of soil based on the parameters gathered.

Conclusion

Data suggest that using decayed rice straw as planting medium gave the more beneficial effect on the growth and yield performance of lettuce.

Recommendation

Another trial must be conducted in order to verify the results of this study. The use of decayed rice straw as planting medium using different crops belonging to the same family (Asteraceae) should also be undertaken.