Comparison of Different Types of Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality Properties of Watermelon (<i>Citrllus lanatus</i>)

Abstract

Background: Watermelon is a very important crop because it has many nutritional and economical values. This crop is known to human for ages and has been cultivated for centuries in many Middle Eastern countries including Syria. Several types of fertilizers are being used in order to increase the productivity of this crop but some fertilizers have shown to have an adverse effect on environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of several types of organic fertilizers (cow, sheep, poultry and pigeon manure) and to compare their effects on growth, productivity and quality parameters with chemical fertilizers (NPK) and control group. Materials and Methods: Two local cultivars spherical and cylindrical (Audrey and Shapah) were used to examine the effects of cow manure (8 m/Donum), Sheep manure (6 m/Donum), poultry manure (3 m/Donum) and pigeons (2 m/Donum) and were compared with chemical fertilizer (N 20:P 40:K 25). Number of fruits on each vine, length of each vine (cm), fruit weight (kg), and estimated yield (kg/Donum) were measured and recorded some quality parameters such as rind thickness (cm) and heart color as well. Results: Cows manure was proved to be superior to other types of fertilizers (organic and inorganic) in many traits but chemical fertilizer gave the highest yield (kg/Donum) in Audrey cultivar but in Shapah cultivar there was no significant difference in productivity between chemical fertilizer compared with control group. Conclusion: Using organic fertilizers to cultivate watermelon does affect quality of watermelon and the productivity was closely related to chemical fertilizer. On the other hand, organic fertilizer can reduce the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers on environment and human health alike.