Various planting media and boron concentrations supporting growth and yield of melon on drip irrigation hydroponic system

Abstract

Planting media is an important component in hydroponic. Additional nutrient, boron, is expected able to support growth and increase fruit production of melon. This study aimed to determine the interaction between various planting media and the concentrations of boron as well as to get the right composition of planting media and boron on the growth and yield of melon. This research was conducted in a greenhouse in Cikeusik, Tasikmalaya. A split-plot design with three replications was applied to the experiment. The main plot was boron concentrations: 0 ppm, 0.35 ppm, 0.7 ppm, and 1.05 ppm while the subplots consisted of 100% rice husk, 100% cocopeat, and charcoal rice husk: cocopeat (50:50). The results showed no interaction between boron concentrations and planting media. Otherwise, boron concentration of 0.7 ppm affecting independently the traits, i.e., number of flowers, fruit weight, and fruit thickness. Planting media of 100% cocopeat affected leaf area parameter. Application of 0.7 ppm boron and cocopeat growing media, independently, increase the growth and production of melon plants on drip irrigation hydroponic system. Sufficient concentration applied in a proper planting media and the hydroponic system could lead to the production of melon.