Comparison and evaluation of the sustainability and economic viability of fertilization methods (chemical fertilizers, manure, vermicompost and PGPR) in conventional, organic and vegan production of lettuce (Lactuca Sativa)

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to compare and evaluate the fertility, sustainability and economic viability of the conventional organic and vegan organic farming systems. The fertilization methods of each of these systems was analyzed based on their advantages and disadvantages associated with the application of chemical fertilizers, manure, vermicompost and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The introductory section of this paper will provide with a brief historic retrospection of agriculture as well as with important information that distinguish and define each of the three agricultural systems. Lettuce was cultivated in a field at the experimental plots of Perrotis College in a Randomized Complete Block (RCBD) with four blocks and four treatments. The treatments were a chemical fertilizer, A.F.S manure, A.F.S vermicompost and a PGPR liquid. SPAD measurements, fresh and dry biomass and the root biomass data were collected during the experimental cultivation of the lettuce crop. The results of this experiment showed that the highest overall lettuce yield was achieved by the chemical fertilizer and the lowest one by manure. In conclusion conventional farming systems exhibit the best overall yield results, however the integration of organic and vegan organic methods is absolutely necessary to promote agricultural sustainability