European Journal of Horticultural Science

Polyethylene Mulches and Drip Irrigation Increase Growth and Yield in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatusL.)

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Summary

A 2-year study was carried out in the Vrana Valley in the Mediterranean part of Croatia to evaluate the effects of application of different mulching materials (black polyethylene film, clear photodegradable polyethylene film and paper biodegradable cellulose mulch) and irrigation systems (drip and micro irrigation) in watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivation. Mean daily soil temperatures were converted to heat units (HU) on each treatment and the research confirmed that mulching of soil with polyethylene materials raises the soil temperature. Early in the season, during the first five weeks of watermelon growth soil mulched with clear film was the warmest, its temperature being significantly higher than in other treatments. Mulching with polyethylene materials enabled an earlier harvest compared to the control and paper, which was naturally due to more rapid initial plant growth. The highest watermelon yields were achieved on black film and drip irrigation (104.5 tons per hectare in 1995 and 79 tons per hectare in 1996). Clear film held its mulching function during first five weeks of the growing season in both years. Paper reduced soil temperature that resulted in lower soil temperature, slower plant growth and later harvest in comparison with polyethylene mulch treatments. Regarding the irrigation system applied, the higher yields were achieved with drip irrigation in both trial years.

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