Effects of humic acid and vermicompost applications on growth and development of tulip and lily

This study was carried out in the unheated greenhouse of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Agricultural Application and Research Centre in 2022. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of liquefied vermicompost and humic acid on the growth and development of cut flower tulip and lily. Vermicompost was provided from a private company and 50 L of pure water was added to 50 kg of solid and the water was filtered. Humic acid doses of 150, 300, 600 and 900 ppm were prepared as suspension. The obtained liquid vermicompost and humic acid doses were applied individually and in combination with the growing media at the rate of 125 mL per bulb. The same amount of distillate water was applied to the control bulbs. Peat+perlite (2:1 v:v) was used as medium for tulip cultivation and coccopite was used as medium for lily cultivation. During the experiment, EC 1.10 dS m-1 for tulips and EC 1.90 dS m-1 for lilies were used as fertilization levels. Phenological observations and pomological characteristics were determined during the study. The highest stem length (19.08 cm) was obtained by 300 ppm humic acid, the highest perianth length (42.11 mm) was obtained by 600 ppm humic acid, the highest vase life (9.00 days) was obtained by vermicompost and the highest branch weight (13.18 g) was obtained by 300 ppm humic acid treatment for tulip. The highest branch weight (156.90 g) was recorded in plants treated with 600 ppm humic acid, the highest plant height (91.75 cm) was recorded in vermicompost, the highest number of lamps (6.20 pcs/plant) was recorded in 600 ppm humic acid and the highest vase life (11.34 days) was recorded in 150 ppm humic acid and vermicompost for lily. As a result; it was observed that 600 ppm humic acid was the critical dose for 'Dynasty' tulip and 'Zambesi' lily and that the applications exceeding this limit are waste of resources or negatively affected plant growth. In addition, it was determined that vermicompost application showed more favourable results compared to the control in tulip and lily applications.