Salinity and irrigation method affect crop yield and soil quality in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) growing

Abstract

AbstractThe experiment was set up in the Neretva River Valley in southern Croatia, with the aim to determine the influence of increasing salt concentrations in irrigation water using different irrigation systems (sprinkler and drip) in watermelon production on plastic mulch. Saline drip irrigation reduced the development of salinized plants. Under drip irrigation, salinity did not cause plant mortality, but it led to a reduction in the number and length of vines. Saline sprinkler irrigation caused plant mortality. Soil solution ion composition was remarkably altered by saline drip irrigation. Saline irrigation also had detrimental effects on yield. Application of saline water rapidly changed the ion composition of soil solution. Significant changes in Ca, Na and Cl concentrations in soil solution were determined parallel to increasing the irrigation water salinity, whereas changes in Mg and K concentrations were not statistically significant. Marketable yield was reduced by salinity. Saline drip irrigation had detrimental effects on yield (26 and 35% yield reduction). In the trial treatment involving saline sprinkler irrigation, plants were completely damaged and no yield was attained. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.