The effects of different organic fertilizers on the growth of lilies (Lillium longiflorum)

ABSTRACT: The effects of sugarcane bagasses sewage sludge-based compost (BSC), vermicompost, and fish wastes as different organic fertilizers on the growth and development of Lilies, Lillium longiflorum var Ceb-Dazzle, were evaluated. The pot experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD). Two levels (0, 10%v/v) of vermicompost, sugarcane bagasses sewage sludge-based compost (BSC) or fish waste were applied. Plants were grouped in four different treatment groups including control (C), sugarcane bagasses sewage sludge-based compost (B), vermicompost (V) and fish waste (F). Our results indicated that the application of vermicompost and bagasses compost as fertilizers, especially the first one, had promoting effects on the growth and development of lilies, whereas, the applied fish fertilizer was not only effective treatment but also harmful one. While vermicompost and bagasses compost, especially the first one, had positive effects on root length, root fresh weight, plant height, stem fresh and dry mass, the applied fish waste as fertilizer adversely influenced these mentioned parameters related to the plant growth. The total chlorophyll amounts in the all treated samples were higher than control groups. It seems that the higher chlorophyll found in F groups despite of the observed inhibiting effects of the applied fish fertilizer on the plant growth could resulted from the lower leaf fresh mass.