Short Term Effects of Chemical Fertilizer, Compost and Zeolite on Yield of Lettuce, Nutrient Composition and Soil Properties
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The review concerns a scientific article on soil additives in the form of fertilization.
Abstract spelled correctly. The introduction comprehensively introduces the topic.
Chapter material and methods. Please explain on what basis the amounts of fertilization doses were determined?
The methodology can be divided into two subchapters physical and chemical properties of soils.
Please describe the chapter on statistical analyzes in more detail.
In my opinion, the results of the research, the tables and figures are illegible, they should be presented in a clearer way.
In the research results, subchapter 3.3 soil organic matter, in my opinion, should be expanded because organic matter, including the external one introduced in the form of fertilizers, is of the greatest importance. Same with chapter 3.4. In addition, the results of the research are presented very precisely and exhaustively.
The discussion section is also comprehensively written.
Author Response
We would like to thank the reviewer for the valuable comments, and we hope that our answers to the reviewer's comments and the revised manuscript will improve the quality of the manuscript.
Chapter. Please explain on what basis the amounts of fertilization doses were determined.
An explanation was given. Please see the chapter “Material and methods”
-The methodology can be divided into two subchapters physical and chemical properties of soils.
We combined texture analysis and chemical analysis in the same subchapter since additional physical analyses of soils were not included in the study, leaving only texture analysis.
-Please describe the chapter on statistical analyzes in more detail.
This section has been rewritten. Please see in the revised manuscript
-In my opinion, the results of the research, the tables and figures are illegible, they should be presented in a clearer way.
Tables describe the results of two factorial studies (each with 12 treatment combinations). We choose to exhibit the main factor impact and their interactions in tables, as well as the significant interactions in figures. We reasoned that because there were so many treatment combinations, it would be useful to convey the major points of the statistical analysis in terms of main effects and significant interactions. In addition, the figures displaying significant treatment combinations for macronutrient uptake were pooled. Furthermore, the "Results" section has been rewritten.
-In the research results, subchapter 3.3 soil organic matter, in my opinion, should be expanded because organic matter, including the external one introduced in the form of fertilizers, is of the greatest importance. Same with chapter 3.4. In addition, the results of the research are presented very precisely and exhaustively.
The "Results" section has been rewritten. Furthermore, the results were elaborated in the section Discussion. We tried to be comprehensive not only in the discussion part but also in the section "Results." Furthermore, the entire manuscript has been rewritten, including the Abstract, Introduction, Discussion, and a part of the Conclusions. Introduction has been updated with studies regarding the characteristics and the use of olive leaves compost in intensive vegetable production as well as the effect of NPK fertilization on lettuce yield and soil properties.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
1. Abstract, Please be more specific on the result of the study
2. Introduction, please add relevant and up to date information about compost used in the study (its characteristics and benefit to soil quality)
3. Material and Method, please explain in more detail on the design of the study
4. Discussion, please improve for comprehensiveness (see the reviewed manuscript
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
We would like to thank the reviewer for the valuable comments, and we hope that our answers to the reviewer's comments and the revised manuscript will improve the quality of the manuscript.
- Abstract, please be more specific on the result of the study
Abstract has been corrected according to reviewer’s comments.
- Introduction, please add relevant and up to date information about compost used in the study (its characteristics and benefit to soil quality)
Introduction was revised and was updated with studies regarding the characteristics and the use of olive leaves compost in intensive vegetable production as well as the effect of NPK fertilization on lettuce yield and soil properties.
- Material and Method, please explain in more detail on the design of the study.
The experimental design was revised. A new table with treatment combinations has also been introduced.
- Discussion, please improve for comprehensiveness (Please see the reviewed manuscript)
The discussion has been thoroughly revised according to the reviewer comments.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
I have read the article 'Short-term Effects of Chemical Fertilizer, Compost, and Zeolite on Yield of Lettuce, Nutrient Composition, and Soil Properties'.
This study is comprehensive with a nice set of data. However, the data presentation is very poor. I recommend revising the data presentation for better clarity. Additionally, the article is written at a lengthy level, particularly the discussion part, which may make it difficult for readers to understand. I suggest reducing the length of the article. Furthermore, I have provided some points in the attached annotated file. Kindly review them carefully.
I recommend a major revision. I would be happy to read the revised version to ensure that the changes are included.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
NA
Author Response
We would like to thank the reviewer for the helpful remarks, and we hope that our responses to the reviewer's concerns, as well as the amended article, will improve the paper's quality. The entire manuscript has been thoroughly edited, and most of the parts have been rewritten in response to the manuscript's suggested modifications. The Abstract, Introduction, Results, Discussion, and a part of the Conclusions have all been revised. The introduction, in particular, was improved and updated with studies on the qualities and application of olive leaves compost in intensive vegetable production, as well as the influence of NPK fertilizer on lettuce yield and soil properties. In terms of the study's findings, we attempted to present the findings of two factorial trials (each with 12 treatment combinations). We choose to show the major factor impact and interactions in tables and the significant interactions in figures. Because there were so many treatment combinations, we reasoned that it would be useful to convey the main points of the statistical analysis in terms of main effects and significant interactions. Furthermore, the graphs displaying significant treatment combinations for macronutrient uptake were combined. We trust that the improvements mentioned above will improve the manuscript.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
The manuscript has been substantially improved. Please add the objective of the study but adjust the number of characters as that in guidelines. Table 1 in line 184 should be Table 2.
Author Response
We would like to thank the reviewer once more for the insightful suggestions and we hope that the amended article will improve the overall quality of the manuscript. The objective has been inserted. Table 1 has been renamed Table 2.
Reviewer 3 Report
Now the article can be accepted in its present form, need to check the grammar and typos errors.
Need to check the grammar and typos errors.
Author Response
We would like to thank the reviewer once more for the insightful suggestions and we hope that the amended article will improve the overall quality of the manuscript. Grammar and typos errors were found and corrected in the document.
