Effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on yield quality nitrogen uptake and water use of watermelon citrullus lanatus
Hegde, D.M.
Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 58(6): 444-448
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5022 Accession: 005248996
A 2-year study revealed that frequent irrigation of 'Arka Manik' watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et Nakai], when soil matric potential at 15 cm depth reached-25 kilo Pascals (kPa), gave the maximum yield (355.75 q/ha). It was significantly higher than that observed at -75 kPa but on a par with that at -50 kPa. Imposition of stress of -75 kPa during pre-flowering flowering, or fruit-development period significantly reduced the yield (19-24%) compared with that from the crop irrigated uniformly at -25 kPa. Total soluble solids and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) content of the juice were not influenced by irrigation. N uptake decreased (9-23%) and water-use efficiency of the field increased (16-18%) with the decrease in irrigation frequency. Increase in N fertilization significantly increased the yield (37%), NO3-N (32%), N uptake (84%) and water-use efficiency of the field (37%). The optimum N level was 158 kg/ha.