Dose-Response Relationship of NPK Fertigation on Melon Growth and Yield

Abstract

The goal of the study was to determine how different NPK fertigation levels affected the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) growth and yield in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) ecological zone. Using three replications and a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five NPK levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the advised 150:120:90 kg/ha), the experiment was carried out at the Arid Zone Research Centre during the rainy season of 2021. Plant height, leaf count, number of male and female flowers, days to 50% flowering, fruit count, and fruit weight at harvest were among the parameters that were measured. Results showed that raising NPK levels, especially at 75% of the prescribed dose, significantly increased plant height, leaf count, and flower count. At 100% NPK, the plants reached their maximum height (119.68 cm at 6 weeks and 227.16 cm at 10 weeks) and leaf count (41 leaves at 6 weeks and 79 leaves at 10 weeks), with 75% NPK coming in close second. At 75% NPK (18 flowers) and 100% NPK (17 flowers), the largest number of blooms per plant was observed. Significant progress was also shown in the fruit weight, with the highest average fruit weight (6.43 kg) being produced by 75% NPK. According to the study's findings, NPK fertigation at 75% of the suggested dosage greatly increases watermelon growth and yield; as a result, farmers in the area are advised to use this technique to increase productivity and profitability.