Nutrient accumulation in 'Fantasy' net melon cultivated on substrate

Author(s)

Melo, Danilo Mesquita ; de Oliveira Charlo, Hamilton Cesar ; Castoldi, Renata ; Gomes, Rafaelle Fazzi ; Braz, Leila Trevisan

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SEMINA-CIENCIAS AGRARIAS; v. 34, n. 4, p. 10-pg., 2013-01-01.

Abstract

Knowledge of the most essential nutrients for plant growth facilitates the efficient handling of its nutrition, especially when they are grown on a substrate supported by fertigation. The objective of this study was to determine the accumulation of nutrients in net melon grown on a substrate and understand the relationship between mineral nutrition and plant growth. The Fantasy hybrid was cultivated in pots containing a substrate consisting of a mixture of sand and peanut shells (ratio, 1;1). Determination of nutrient accumulation was performed in 6 seasons. The substrate was chemically characterized before and after cultivation. Harvesting occurred 78 days after transplantation, resulting in an average yield of 70,120 kg.ha(-1). Substrate analysis showed a small increase in nutrient levels by the end of cultivation. The order of nutrient accumulation was as follows: N>Ca>K>P>Mg>S>B>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu. (AU)