Modification of Growing Medium for Container Melon (Cucumismelo L.) Production Using Goat Manure and Dolomite

Abstract

The growth of melon plant requires soil rich in organic matter, well drainage, and soil pH 6.0 - 7.0. The adverse conditions are found on mostly red-yellow podsolic of Ultisol. The objective of this research was to evaluate the application of goat manure and dolomite on growth and yield of melon. The research was held from June until September 2015 in Kandang Limun, Bengkulu City. Completely Randomized Design was arranged involving goat manure doses consisted of 0 kg polybag-1, 3 kg polybag-1, and 6 kg polybag-1. Another factor was that the dose of dolomite consisted of 0 g polybag-1 (0 tons ha-1), 100 g polybag-1 (2 tons ha-1) and 200 g polybag-1 (4 tons ha-1). Treatments were replicated three times; each experimental unit consisted of 4 polybags of plants. The result of this research revealed no interaction between goat manure and dolomite in affecting the vegetative growth of plants. The interaction between goat manure and dolomite was found affecting fruit weight, fruit diameter and the thickness of the edible fruit part. The highest values for fruit weight, fruit diameter, and edible fruit thickness were achieved on 3 kg polybag-1 goat manure and 200 g polybag-1 dolomite treatment, which were 725.25 g, 17.14 cm, and 2.99 cm respectively. Goat manure dose of 6 kg polybag-1 increased stem diameter (5.5 mm) and fruit sweetness (8.09 0Brix) compared to treatment without manure which was 5.43 mm and 7.31 0Brix.