Comparative Effects of Different Organic and Inorganic Fertilisers on Soil Fertility, Plant Growth, Soil Microbial Community, and Storage Ability of Lettuce

Abstract The current study was conducted to assess whether organic fertilisation could replace mineral fertilisation in lettuce production without adverse effects on yield, quality, and postharvest behaviour. The effect of either mineral or organic fertiliser on soil fertility or the microbial community was also studied. Control plots were fertilised with recommended rates of mineral fertiliser (150: 45: 65 kg/ha NPK) and the other treatments were 15 t/ha compost, 10 t/ha rabbit manure, and 10 t/ha chicken manure. Our results indicated that all sources of organic fertiliser significantly increased total nitrogen, organic carbon, total fungi, and bacteria contents of soils compared with mineral fertiliser. Rabbit and chicken manure fertilisers resulted in a significant increase in yield. Compared with conventional fertiliser and other organic treatments, plots receiving rabbit manure showed a lower weight loss and microbial load on fresh lettuce head. Moreover, rabbit manure significantly reduced polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity. Hence, these results suggest that rabbit manure fertiliser could be an alternative to conventional production without significant reduction in yield and with low enzymatic browning and better storability.