The effect of additional application of potassium fertilizer on growth and yield of fertigated rockmelon under netted rain shelter

Fertigation is a method of applying most of the crops nutrition through the irrigation system. Example plant that practised this method is rockmelon. Rockmelon is belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae and it is widely cultivated for the commercialization purposes. Fertigated rockmelon cultivar (Cucumis melo L. cv. Glamour) was selected to be studied in two different treatments which are with and without additional application of potassium fertilizer (potassium nitrate). Potassium nitrate is a unique source of potassium and it contributes to the health and yields of plants. In this research, the effect of additional application of potassium nitrate fertilizer on growth and yield of fertigated rockmelon under netted rain shelter were evaluated. Growth and yield parameters data such as number of female flowers, weight, diameter,
perimeter, brix meter value and the thickness of the mesocarp of rockmelon fruits were recorded. As a conclusion, fertigated rockmelon with additional of potassium showed better performance compared to rockmelon without additional application of potassium. The research finally showed rockmelon plants were suitable to be planted using additional application of potassium nitrate fertilizer.