Yield and Composition of Muskmelon as Influenced by Preplant and Trickle Applied Nitrogen

Abstract

Abstract Field experiments were conducted to determine N-use-efficiency of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) grown in a loamy sand under trickle irrigation and black plastic mulch. Nitrogen rates of 0, 67, or 100 kg N/ha preplant plus 0, 50, or 100 ppm trickle applied N (fertigation) were compared. Significant increases in stem growth, soil NO3-N, petiole NO3-N, and early and total yields generally were attained with increasing preplant N fertilization rates. Muskmelon yield response to increasing N fertigation response was increased in regimes that received no preplant N. Fertigation response was reduced in regimes that received 67 or 100 kg preplant N/ha. A significant curvilinear relationship was established between soil saturation extract NO3-N and petiole NO3-N.