Effect of drip irrigation regimes and mineral fertilizer rates on watermelon yield in mulched fields

Abstract

Crop growth in arid and semiarid regions usually depends on irrigation, but inappropriate irrigation practice can result in water stress. Water needs of watermelon are the highest during the period of strong formation of vegetative and generative organs. Thus, 85-90% moisture is required from seeds for seed germination. Before the formation of fruit, soil moisture should be maintained at 70% of the total field moisture capacity of the soil, and at the time of fruit ripening at 60%. In this article, the results of experiments based on the development of optimal irrigation regime and fertilization rate for the cultivation of watermelon plants in mulched fields by drip irrigation method, differentiated soil moisture (60...70...60%, 65...75...65%, 70...80...70%, 75...85...75% SAM (SAM - Soil available moisture)), and fertilization rates (without fertilizer, N100P80K40, N120P100K50 and N140P120K60 kg/ha) have been written. Also, the effect of fertilization rates (N100P80K40, N120P100K50 and N140P120K60 kg/ha) on the quality indicators of watermelon fruit, the amount of dry matter, sugar, nitrates and “C” in the fruit has been noted.