Production of watermelon irrigated with saline water in mulched Entisol with potassium fertilization

Abstract

The adjustment in the growing season associated with cultural practices can mitigate the negative effects of salinity on crop production. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production components of watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet under the effects of irrigation with saline water, soil cover and potassium doses in crops during dry and rainy seasons. The treatments were arranged in a split plot with 2 x 2 x 4 scheme, with the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.3 and 3.0 dS m-1) in the main plot, and the combinations between soil mulch (without and with) and doses of potassium (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1 of K2O) in the subplots, distributed in randomized blocks. Final stand, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, production per plant and yield were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and potassium doses were evaluated by regression. In the rainy season, watermelon was more productive than in the dry season even under irrigation, with higher number of fruits and production per plant and yield. Irrigation using water with electrical conductivity of 3.0 dS m-1 should be used with moderation in watermelon crop, as it did not compromise yield. Potassium chloride application is not recommended in soil with intermediate potassium content, because it reduced the number of fruits per plant and yield. The use of mulch is recommended in watermelon cultivation, since it increased the number of fruits and production per plant.