The effects of compost and compost extract on soil properties and lettuce growth. IvanaCAVOSKIauthorThe work was conducted at the experimental field of the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, Italy in 2004. The aim was to study the effects of compost and compost extract on soil properties and lettuce growth. The chemical, biological and phytotoxic tests of compost extract proved its high selected soil properties (pH, EC, Organic matter, available nutrients, cations and anions contents) markedly with depth and time, the most prominent changes showed by compost extract application. The applications of compost and compost extract significantly increased lettuce growth, yield, yield components and storage, all were highly significantly influenced by compost. The relation between chlorophyll-meter readings and nitrogen concentration showed highly significant linear regression and provided evidence that the chlorophyll-meter could be used to determine side dressing N requirements. The benefits of the compost and compost extract without chemical fertilizer demonstrated the validity and possibility of sustainable agronomic performance of lettuce using available recycled organic materials. Nutrient turnover Vegetables Soil quality Composting and manuring2004IAMB Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari;Organic FarmingThesis