In order to optimize the lettuce (
Lactuca sativa
L.) production in greenhouses and to evaluate how a usage of mulching
and covering plants with woven agrotextile affects its yields, N content, nitrate, Zn and vitamin C in lettuce leaves, a 2-yr
experiment was established. In the experiments, black and white plastic foils were used for mulching before planting, and
woven agrotextile for plant covering after planting. The effect of each, as well as combination of them, on lettuce growth
and productivity was evaluated. The experiment involved six treatments: control (without mulch), polyethylene black
plastic mulch, polyethylene white plastic mulch, polyethylene black plastic mulch and woven agrotextile, polyethylene
white plastic mulch and woven agrotextile, and woven agrotextile. In the first growing season the yield was 23% higher
when polyethylene black plastic mulch was used compared to the control. In the second growing season the yield was
29% higher when polyethylene black plastic mulch was used compared to the control. Nitrogen content decreased 9%
when the woven agrotextile was used compared to the control. Polyethylene black plastic mulch and polyethylene black
plastic mulch with agrotextile reduced Zn content compared to the control. Vitamin C content increased 21% when woven
agrotextile was used compared to the control. The overall effect of mulching and covering plants with woven agrotextile
showed positive effect on lettuce production. The results obtained could assist lettuce growers in selecting most effective
production technologies in order to achieve highest yield and nutritional value in this crop.
