Melons

High-Performance Proof Research011021NRG
Melons

Watermelons
Watermelon Fertilizer Program Comparison (2004)
Fertilizer Program Comparison on Watermelons (2005)
Watermelons (2006)
Two-year Summary Watermelon Fertilizer Trials (2005-2006)
Watermelon Drip Irrigation (2007)
Watermelon Foliar (2007)
Soil and Foliar Fertilizers (2008)
Pre-plant or split-applications of fertilizer for optimizing watermelon production (2009)

Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe Fertility Programs (2005)
Cantaloupes (2006)
Cantaloupe Fertility Programs 2 Year Summary (2005-2006)
Cantaloupe Drip (2007)
Cantaloupe Foliar (2007)
Foliar applications of fertilizer for optimizing cantaloupe production (2009)


Experiment: Fertilizer Program Comparison on Watermelons
Year: 2004 (03-34)
Date of Planting/Harvest: transplant 5-17-04 / 7-19 thru 9-30
Plot Size: 5 x 15

Chart 1. Watermelon Fertility Programs
North Central Research Station - 2004
Fertilizer Program Melons/A Ton/A Avg Melon Wt
Agro-Culture Liquid* 5614.4 56.9 20.3
Conventional** 5420.8 47.7 17.0
Untreated Check 4452.8 33.0 14.8
LSD (0.2) 1510.1 17.0 2.6
* 5 gal/A High NRG-N +7 gal/A 9-24-3 +10 gal/A Sure-K +2 qt/A Micro 500 (2 x 2 at planting)
6 gal/A High NRG-N (SD x 2)
** 235 lbs/A 0-0-60 +200 lbs/A 18-46-0 (PPI); 10 gal/A 28% UAN ( SD x 2)

Watermelon harvest was done by hand beginning in mid-J uly and continued thru the
end of September. Each melon was weighed to calculate harvestable yield.
Fertilizer programs comparing Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers to a conventional dry
program were evaluated. Both fertilizer programs increased production, weight, and
melon size compared to the untreated check.
Dry fertilizer was broadcast incorporated prior to planting. Agro-Culture Liquid
Fertilizers was placed in a band two inches to the side and two inches below
transplant placement. Sidedress applications were applied in a band along the
irrigation line and were made at vine run and fruit set.
The Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers program increased the number of melons per
acre, average melon size, and tons/A over the conventional fertilizer program. A
growers profit can be greatly increased by producing more melons per acre and
larger melons along with reducing the number of applications required by the
conventional program.

Soil Test Levels (ppm)
pH ~6.4 P1 ~52
CEC ~5 K ~121
OM ~1.5% (6.2% K)


Experiment: Fertilizer Program Comparison on Watermelons
Year: 2005 (05-34)
Plot Size: 5 x 15

Watermelon Fertilizer Programs Watermelon Fertilizer Programs
ACLF: 2 gal/A High NRG-N + 2 gal/A Pro-
Germinator + 11 gal/A Sure-K + 2 qt/A Micro 500
(band next to row at transplant); 18 gal/A High
NRG-N (sidedress at vine run)
ACLF + Foliar: ACLF (above) + 2 gal/A Sure-K +
1 gal/A Nutr. Foliar + 2 oz/A PTS (weekl y foliars
from fruit set through harvest - 7 applications)
Conventional: 230 lbs/A 0-0-60 + 50 lbs/A
18-46-0 (preplant broadcast); 30 gal/A 28% UAN
(sidedress at vine run)
No Fertilizer Check

In the past few years, research at the North Central Research Station has been on the
variety Crimson Sweet which is a small basketball shaped melon. J ubilee was used in
the 2005 plot work. This variety is a larger, longer melon typically weighing around 20
pounds each. When looking at local production along with past research please note that
comparisons between years/variety yields can not be made; however, differences between
treatments should be relative to one another.

Watermelon Fertility Programs
Fertilizer Total Total Wt Avg. Size
Program melons/A ton/A lbs/melon
Agro-Culture Liquid 4259.2 47.8 22.5
ACLF + Foliar 5614.4 68.2 24.7
Conventional 4452.8 49.0 22.0
Untreated Check 4936.8 46.6 18.8
LSD (0.2) 1925.3 22.3 2.5

pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)
As with many other crops, variety
plays a huge roll in overall yield
capability this very important to
remember, especially when working
with watermelons. Each variety
produces different size and shaped
melons. Location also plays a roll in
melon production. Most
watermelons grown in the northern
part of the country are smaller
shaped melons which produce
lower yields than those grown in
southern states.


Watermelon harvest was done by hand beginning in mid-J uly and continued through
mid-September. Each melon was weighed to calculate harvestable yield.
Fertilizer programs comparing Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers to a conventional dry
program were evaluated. Both fertilizer programs increased production, weight, and
melon size compared to the untreated check.
Dry fertilizer was broadcast and incorporated prior to planting. Agro-Culture Liquid
transplant placement. Sidedress applications, on J une 23 were applied in a band to
the side of the row, melons were just beginning vine run.
The Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers program was very similar in number of melons per
acre, average melon size, and tons/A compared to the conventional fertilizer
program. A growers profit can be greatly increased by producing good melons per
acre and larger melons along with reducing the number of applications required by
the conventional program.
A foliar program of 2 gal/A Sure-K +1 gal/A Nutritional Foliar +2 oz PTS (a protein
cell carrier with a tri-alcohol growth stimulant that boosts the crops ability to store
energy for the photosynthetic process.) was applied weekly with a pressurized
backpack sprayer. These applications were made in addition to the complete Agro-
Culture Liquid Fertilizers Program at transplant and sidedress.
Foliar applications showed positive results, greatly increasing watermelon numbers,
size, and overall yields.


Experiment: Watermelons
Year (Experiment Number): 2006 (06-204)
Date of Planting/Harvest: May 24 / Aug & Sept
Hybrid: Crimson Sweet
Plot Size (replications): 15 x 5, 3 Reps

The objective for this trials was to compare various Agro-Culture
Liquid Fertilizer programs that were developed to promote early yield of
watermelon as well as maximize total season production. Comparison
with a conventional fertilizer program was also made.
US Watermelon acreage was just over 150 K acres in 2006. The
J uly 4
th
holiday weekend is the single largest market opportunity for
watermelons. Planting for this date and producing a higher percentage
of the marketable melons at the earliest harvests will typically offer the
greatest value per acre to the producers. However, watermelons are
consumed almost all summer long and staggered plantings and/or
multiple harvests are commonly used to extend growers watermelon
production capacity and profitability. Maintaining an established crop is much less
expensive than establishing a new one. Still, high quality melons must be continuously
produced for each successive harvest to justify maintaining a field and to offset harvest
costs. Therefore, The use of foliar fertilizer programs to promote maturity and sustain high
quantities of marketable quality melons were evaluated.
Crimson Sweet watermelons were transplanted into the research plots on May 24,
2006. Each plot was 15 x 5 and consisted of five plants (36 between plants).
The entire plot area received the equivalent of 20 tons/Acre of dairy manure prior to
being plowed to a depth of 6 during fall tillage. In the spring, a tractor mounted rotor-
tiller was used to prepare the plots for planting.
The Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer products were banded by a custom built application
cart with a fertilizer knife that placed them two inches below and two inches to the
side of the plants just after transplanting. The same applicator was used for side
dressing additional nitrogen on J une 13
th
. However, the vines were just starting to
run, so the application was made about 6-8 to the side of the planted row.
Dry fertilizer was broadcast and incorporated prior to trans-planting as show.
Table W1. Watermelon Fertility Programs and application methods for 2006.
Treatment Rate/A (gal.)
Method of
Application
1 High NRG-N +Pro-Germ +Sure-K +Micro 500 2 +2 +11 +2 qt Band at planting
High NRG-N 18 Sidedress
Sure-K +Nutritional Foliar 1 +2 Weekly foliar
Sure-K +Nutritional Foliar +PTS 1 +2 +2 oz Weekly foliar
4 High NRG-N +Pro-Germ +Sure-K +Micro 500 2 +2 +11 +2 qt band at planting
Experimental Foliar #1 3 Weekly Foliar
5 0-0-60 230# Broadcast
18-46-0 50# Broadcast
28% UAN 30 Sidedress
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)


The foliar applications utilized for this trial were started with initial fruit set on J uly 7
th

Treatments were reapplied every 7-10 days, until September 5
th
when the last
application was applied. A total of eight applications for each foliar treatment were
made during the growing season. All foliar applications were made with a backpack
sprayer and hand boom equipped with flat fan nozzles. These fertilizer mixtures
were diluted with water and applied at a total volume of 15 gallons per acre.
Fungicides and insecticides were applied separately, but in a similar manner as
needed throughout the season.
PTS in treatment #3 is Protriastim, a protein cell carrier with a tri-alcohol growth
stimulant that boosts the crops ability to store energy for the photosynthetic process.
Watermelons were harvested on a regular basis beginning on August 3
rd
and
continued until Sept 28
th
. Each mature melon was harvested by hand and weighted
individually at maturity. Each melon was deemed mature when the tendril on the vine
nearest the melon turned brown.
RESULTS:
Watermelon yield for all Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer treatments were numerically
greater than the Conventional fertilizer program. (Table W2)
The addition of Sure-K and Nutritional Foliar (trt. 2) resulted in melons that averaged
2.0 lb. (14%) heavier than the standard Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer program (trt.1)
on average. Still, the average size of the melons harvested was statistically similar for
all treatments.
There was also a noticeable difference in the maturity or earliness of some
treatments. The use of the Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer products (trt 1-3) resulted in
over 31% of the total yield occurred at the first of six harvests compared to only
21.1% for dry fertility treatment (Table W3).

Table W2. Effect of Fertility programs on individual harvests, total watermelon yield and
average watermelon size from 2006 trial.
Treatment
Harvest
1
Harvest
2
Harvest
3
Harvests
4-6 (total)
Total
Yield
Avg. Wt
(lb./melon) Yield (tons / Acre)
1 Plant/SD 11.0 9.8 3.3 10.1 34.1 13.9
2 Plant/SD/Foliar 10.7 6.4 3.0 12.3 32.4 15.9
3 Plant/SD/Foliar & PTS 8.5 6.8 5.5 15.6 27.7 13.0
4 Plant/SD/Exp Foliar #1 8.8 6.7 5.7 13.7 34.8 15.6
5 Conventional Program 5.8 11.0 2.9 7.6 27.4 14.9


Table W3. Effect of Fertility Program on yield distribution by harvest for watermelons.
Treatment
Harvest
1
Harvest
2
Harvest
3
Harvests
4-6 (total)
Percentage of total yield by harvest
1 Plant/SD 32.3% 28.7% 9.5% 29.5%
2 Plant/SD/Foliar 33.1% 19.8% 9.2% 37.9%
3 Plant/SD/Foliar & PTS 30.7% 24.6% 19.9% 24.8%
4 Plant/SD/Exp Foliar #1 25.2% 19.2% 16.3% 39.4%
5 Conventional Program 21.1% 40.3% 10.7% 27.9%

Conclusions:
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs that were utilized in this trial promoted total yields
and resulted in higher yields in the initial harvest compare to the conventional fertilizer
program. This was most obvious for programs which incorporated foliar fertilizer
applications.
Conventional fertilizers were applied according to published guidelines
fromMichigan State Universitys Nutrient Recommendations for
Vegetable Crops in Michigan. Ext Bulletin E2934, 2004


As with many other crops, variety plays a
huge roll in overall yield capability this very
important to remember, especially when
working with watermelons. Each variety
produces different size and shaped
melons. Location also plays a roll in melon
production. Most watermelons grown in
the northern part of the country are smaller
shaped melons which produce lower yields
than those grown in southern states.
Experiment: Two year Summary Watermelon Fertility Trials
Year: 2005 (05-34) and 2006 (06-204)
5-23-06 / 8-13 thru 9-9
Plot Size: 5 ft. x 15 ft.

The objective of these trials was to use foliar fertilizer programs to promote maturity and
sustain high quantities of marketable quality watermelons were evaluated. Comparison with
a conventional fertilizer program was also made.

Last year at the North Central Research Station J ubilee an oblong melon typically
weighing around 20 pounds each was used. However, Crimson Sweet watermelons were
used in 2006. This variety is was more of a round or basketball shaped melon. When
looking at local production along with past research please note that comparisons between
years/variety yields can not be made; however, differences between treatments should be
relative to one another.
Watermelon harvest was completed by hand beginning in mid to late J uly and
continued through mid-September. Each melon was weighed and counted to
calculate harvestable yield.
Dry fertilizer was broadcast and incorporated prior to planting. Agro-Culture Liquid
transplant placement. Sidedress
applications were applied about one month
after planting in a band two inches deep
and to the side of the row as the melons
were just beginning vine run.

RESULTS:
Fertilizer programs comparing Agro-Culture
Liquid Fertilizers to a conventional dry
Table W1. Watermelon Fertility Programs and application methods for 2006.
Treatment Rate/A (gal.)
Method of
Application
Sure-K +Nutritional Foliar 1 +2 Weekly foliar
5 0-0-60 230# Broadcast
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)
2005 2006 Avg. No. 2005 2006 Avg. Size 2005 2006 Avg. Yld.
ACLF 4259 4453 4356 22.5 15.3 18.9 47.8 34.1 41.0
ACLF & Foliar 5614 4066 4840 24.7 15.9 20.3 68.2 32.4 50.3
Conventional Fertility 4453 3678 4066 22.0 14.9 18.5 49.0 27.4 38.2
LSD (P<0.20) 1925 1512 2.5 2.3 22.3 14.8
Fertility Program
Melons (number/Acre) Melon Size (lb/fruit)
Effects of Fertilizer Program on Watermelon Yields
North Central Research Station 2005-2006
Total Yield (tons/Acre)


program were evaluated. ACLF fertilizer programs increased production, weight, and
melon size compared to the convention fertility program. Melon counts, melon size
and total yield were lowest with the conventional fertilizer program.

A foliar program of 2 gal/A Sure-K +1 gal/A Nutritional Foliar applied regularly (every
7-10 days) with a pressurized backpack sprayer made in addition to the complete
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer Program at transplant and sidedress had the largest
melons and greatest yield produced of any fertility program evaluated. The average
Watermelon yield was increased by over 10 and 12 tons/A per acre compared to the
convention fertility program.

Conclusions:
Regular foliar applications ACLF fertilizers showed very positive results, greatly
increasing watermelon size and overall yields both years of these trials at the North
Central Research Station.


Experiment: Watermelons Drip Irrigation Fertilizer Programs
Date of Planting/Harvest: May / Aug & Early Sept
Hybrid: Ruby Seedless / J enny (Pollinator)

Watermelons are consumed almost all summer long and staggered plantings and/or multiple
harvests are commonly used to extend growers watermelon production capacity and profitability.
Maintaining an established crop can be less expensive and faster than establishing a new crop.
Still, high quality melons must be continuously produced for each successive harvest to justify
maintaining a field and to offset harvest costs. Further, the current market is shifting very quickly to
seedless watermelons. With these factors in mind, various Agro-
Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs were developed to promote early
yield of watermelon as well as maximize fruit set and sizing over a
prolonged harvest period was evaluated. Comparison with a
conventional fertilizer program was also made.
The entire plot area was soybeans in the season prior to
this trial. The stubble was lightly worked in the spring with a
field cultivator to prepare for establishment of the plots. A yield
goal of 12 tons/acre along with Michigan State Universitys Vegetable Fertility Guide (E2934)
was used as the basis for fertility levels.
The dry fertilizers were broadcast then lightly incorporated, liquid fertilizer materials were
banded on the soil surface in the center of selected plot areas and then all plots were formed
into beds (4 tall x 24 wide) with plastic mulch covering the center of each plot. Forming the
bed placed the liquid fertilizers approximately 3-4 below the top-center of each bed.
Ruby Seedless and J enny (pollinator) watermelons were transplanted into the research
plots on May 11, 2007. Each plot was 15 x 5 and consisted of five hills (36 between hills).
The first and last plants were the pollinator variety J enny and the three central plants were
ruby seedless.

Table WD1. Drip Irrigation Fertility Programs for Seedless Watermelons in 2007
Treatment (Yield goal =12 tons/Acre) Rate/A (gal/A)
Method of
Application
1 Untreated Control 0 na
2
0-0-60+18-46-0+Mn+Zn
water
28% UAN
100#, 180#, 5#, 4#
400
4.2
PPI
Transplant
Drip/Wk
3
0-0-60+10-34-0+Mn+Zn
10-34-0
28% UAN
100#, 15.4, 5#, 4#
5
4.5
PPI/band
Transplant
Drip/Wk
4
HN+SK +Micro 500+Mn
PG
High NRG-NR
5, 4.6, 1 qt, 1 pt
6.4,
4
Band
Transplant
Drip/wk
5
28% w/ eNhance +SK +Micro 500 +Mn
PG
28% w/ eNhance +SK +PG
5, 4.6, 1 qt, 1 pt
6.4
4.2, 1qt, 1qt
Band
Transplant
Drip/wk
SK =Sure-K, PG=Pro-Germinator, HN =High HRG-N, NR =High HRG-NR, Mn =Manganese Flavanol

A transplant solution and/or water at approximately 400 GPA was used to aid in the
establishment of these plants, exact products and rates described above (Table WD1).
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)


Drip irrigation fertilizer applications started on J une 12
th
(just prior to running) and continued on
a regular basis until two weeks prior to the last anticipated harvest date. The drip lines for each
plot were equipped with a valve at the header line. This allowed water/fertilizer to be directed to
selected plots during application. The fertilizer treatments were diluted into a total volume of 15
gallons of water. Fifteen additional gallons of additional water was used to flush the header
lines and drip lines between treatments. Finally, all plots were irrigated for at least 4 additional
hours following any fertilizer application to distribute the fertilizer within each plot.
Watermelons were harvested on a regular basis beginning on August 3
rd
until Sept 10
th
.
Each mature melon was harvested by hand and weighted at maturity. Each melon was deemed
mature when the tendril on the vine nearest the melon turned brown.
RESULTS:
Watermelons yields were very similar for both conventional fertilizer programs. The use of
liquid fertilizer showed a small advantage over a total dry fertility program (Chart WD1 - Trt #2
vs. #3). Both programs significantly enhanced yields compared to the untreated control.
Watermelon yield for both Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer treatments were significantly greater
than the Conventional fertilizer programs and untreated control. However, the two ACLF
treatments were statistically similar to each other.
When a portion of the Sure-K and Pro-Germinator was added to the eNhanced 28% UAN
applications (Trt 5), the resulting melon yields were the highest in the trial. However, a majority
of the yield for this treatment occurred in the later part of the season (Chart WD 2). Possibly if
100% of the recommended P&K had been applied prior to planting, the in-season the
applications of Pro-Germinator and Sure-K would have had better early season yields as well
as opportunity for late season yield enhancement.
Chart WD1. Full season Watermelon yields from drip irrigation applications of various
fertilizer programs.

Measured yields for this trial were well above projected yield goals for all fertility programs in the
trial. Border effects with these small plots allowed vines to grow into the open area between
plots causing an overestimation of the actual yields. Still, all fertility programs benefited from
these factors and therefore treatment differences should be considered valid.
15.5
28.9
30.9
36.5
40.5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Totalyieldafter13harvests(1month)
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)


Yields from the best treatment, ACLF fertility with drip irrigation applications of eNhanced 28%
UAN, Pro-Germ and Sure-K, was 161% greater than the untreated control and 40% greater than
the conventional fertility program.

Drip irrigation watermelon yields by date

Chart WD 2. Watermelon yields by date for various drip fertilizer programs during the
2007 growing season.

Watermelon plots prior to initial harvest.
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
Untreated
StdDryw/28%UAN
StdLiquids&potash
ACLFw/HNR
ACLFw/28%,eNhance,PG,SK
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)


Experiment: Watermelons Foliar Fertilizers
Hybrid: Crimson Sweet (Seeded)

Watermelons are consumed almost all summer long and staggered plantings and/or multiple
harvests are commonly used to extend growers watermelon production capacity and profitability.
Maintaining an established crop can be much less expensive and faster than establishing a new
one. Still, high quality melons must be continuously produced for each successive harvest to justify
maintaining a field and to offset harvest costs. With these factors in mind, various Agro-Culture
Liquid Fertilizer programs were developed to promote early yield of watermelon as well as maximize
fruit set and sizing over the total seasons production. The use of foliar fertilizer programs to promote
maturity and/or sustain high quantities of marketable quality melons over a prolonged period was
evaluated. Comparison with a conventional fertilizer
program was also made.
The entire plot area was soybeans in the
season prior to this trial. The stubble was lightly
worked in the spring with a field cultivator to
prepare for establishment of the plots. A yield
goal of 12 tons/acre along with Michigan State
Universitys Vegetable Fertility Guide (E2934)
was used as the basis for fertility levels.
The dry fertilizers were broadcast then lightly incorporated, liquid fertilizer materials were
banded on the soil surface in the center of selected plot areas and then all plots were formed
into beds (4 tall x 24 wide) with plastic mulch covering the center of each plot. Forming the
bed placed the liquid fertilizers approximately 3-4 below the top-center of each bed.
Crimson Sweet watermelons were direct seeded into the research plots on May 14, 2007.
Each plot was 15 x 5 and consisted of five hills (36 between hills).

Table 2. Soil and Foliar Fertility programs for Watermelons.
Method of
Application
1
0-0-60, 18-46-0, Mn, Zn
28% UAN
100#, 180#, 5#, 4#
33.5
PPI
Band
2
0-0-60, Mn, Zn (Conventional Std.)
28% UAN +10-34-0
100#, 5#, 4#
36.3 +21.4
PPI
Band
3
HN +PG +SK +M-500 +Mn
(ACLF Standard)
26, 6.4, 4.6, 2.3 qt, 1 pt Pre-Plant Band
SK =Sure-K, PG=Pro-Germinator, HN =High HRG-N, M-500=Micro 500, Mn =Manganese Flavanol

Watermelons were harvested on a regular basis (3-5 days) beginning on August 3
rd
until
Sept 10
th
. Each mature melon was harvested by hand and weighted at maturity. Each melon
was deemed mature when the tendril on the vine nearest the melon turned brown.

RESULTS:
The total season watermelon yields for the Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer program was
numerically greater than the Conventional fertilizer programs. (Chart W1).
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)


Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer program that was utilized in this trial promoted total yields, with
the greatest impact during the later weeks compared to the conventional fertilizer programs
(Chart W2). However, the initial harvests were statistically similar to both conventional fertility
programs.
Measured yields for these watermelons were well above projected yield goal of 12 tons/Acre
for all fertility programs in this trial. Most likely contribution was from a border effect with
these small plots that allowed vines to grow into the open area between plots causing an
overestimation of the actual yields. Still, all fertility programs benefited from these factors
and therefore treatment differences should be considered valid.

Chart W1. Effect of Fertility programs on total season watermelon yield for 2007.
Chart W2. Effect of Fertility programs on weekly harvest
totals for watermelon yield.
3.3 3.4
2.0
5.1
6.7
6.4
7.9
10.2
10.3
4.4
2.4
8.3
0.0
4.0
8.0
12.0
16.0
20.0
24.0
28.0
32.0
Conv.Dry Conv.Liquids ACLF
WeekofHarvest
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
20.7
22.6
27.0
10.0
12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
24.0
26.0
28.0
Dry&28% Conv.Liquids&Potash ACLF
TotalforallHarvests
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)

Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)


Experiment: Watermelons Soil and Foliar Fertilizers
Hybrid: Crimson Sweet (Seeded)

Various Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs were developed hoping to promote early yield of
watermelon as well as maximize fruit set, fruit sizing and enhance the total seasons production.
Foliar fertilizer programs were utilized to promote maturity and/or sustain high quantities of
marketable quality melons over a prolonged harvest. Comparison with a conventional fertilizer
program was also made.
The entire plot area was tomatoes and bell peppers the season prior to this trial. The residue
was chisel plowed in the fall and lightly worked in the spring with a field cultivator to prepare for
establishment of the plots. A yield goal of 22.5 tons/acre along with Michigan State Universitys
Vegetable Fertility Guide (E2934) was used as the basis for fertility levels. The base N: P
2
O
5
:
K
2
O rates used for all plots were 150, 83 and 85 pounds per acre respectively.

Table W1. Soil and Foliar Fertility programs for Watermelons.
Treatment Rate/A (gal/A)
Method of
Application
1 Untreated NA
2
0-0-60+Mn+B+Zn 142#+5#+1#+4# broadcast
10-34-0 6 transplant
28% UAN+10-34-0 43+15.4 Band
3
PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn 6.4 +3 +4 qt +2 pt transplant
HN +Sure-K 30 +3.6 band
4
PGK +SK+Micro 500+Mn 6.4 +3 +4 qt +2 pt transplant
5
PG +SK+Micro 500+Mn 6.4 +3 +4 qt +2 pt transplant
HN +Sure-K 30+3.6 band
G-07 +SK 2 qt+2 Foliar
6
F-07 3 Foliar
7
WPT+SK 2qt +2 Foliar
8
0-0-60+18-46-0+Mn+B 142#+130#+5#+1#+4# broadcast
28% UAN 5.5 Drip/Week
9
HN +Sure-K 3.3 +0.5 Drip/Week
10
HN +Sure-K +PG 3.3 +1 +.25 Drip/Week
SK =Sure-K
TM,
PG=Pro-Germinator
TM,
HN =High NRG-N
TM
, M-500=Micro 500, Mn =
Manganese Flavonol, F07=Experimental foliar fertilizer, G07 Experimental Foliar, WPT =
Woody Plants & Trees.
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~18% (35%K)


The dry fertilizers were broadcast then lightly incorporated, liquid fertilizer materials were banded
on the soil surface in the center of selected plot areas and then all plots were formed into beds
(4 tall x 24 wide) with plastic mulch covering the center of each plot. Forming the bed placed
the banded liquid fertilizers approximately 3-4 below the top-center of each bed.
Ruby seedless watermelons were the main variety transplanted into the research plots on May
21, 2008. Each plot was 30 x 5 and consisted of ten plants with 36 between them. The
pollinator species utilized was the variety J enny and the two varieties were inter-planted to
facilitate pollination. Each plot contained four J enny plants and six Ruby seedless plants. Due
to the extensive vine growth of the J enny variety, only the Ruby Seedless melons were
evaluated for this trial.
A transplant solution and/or water at ~9 oz/plant or approximately 200 GPA was used to aid in
the establishment of these plants, exact products and rates described above (Table W1).
Drip irrigation fertilizer applications started on J une 12
th
(just prior to running) and continued on a
regular basis until August 11 (initial harvest). The drip lines for each plot were equipped with a
valve at the header line. This allowed water/fertilizer to be directed to selected plots during
application. The fertilizer treatments were diluted into a total volume of 15 gallons of water.
Fifteen additional gallons of additional water was used to flush the header lines and drip lines
between treatments. Finally, all plots were irrigated for at least 4 additional hours following any
fertilizer application to distribute the fertilizer within each plot.
Foliar applications were made 5 times over the season with approximately 2 weeks between
treatments. The initial application was made at ~5% bloom on J une 25th. All foliar applications
were made with a backpack sprayer and hand boom equipped with flat fan nozzles. The
fertilizer mixtures were diluted with water and applied at a total volume of 15 gallons per acre.
Watermelons were harvested on a regular basis (5-7 days) beginning on August 11
th
until Sept
9
th
. Melons were harvested by hand, counted and weighted at maturity. Each melon was
deemed mature when the tendril on the vine nearest the melon turned brown.

RESULTS:
Four of the ACLF based fertility programs exceeded the total season watermelon yield goal of
22.5 tons per acre (Figure
W1). Fertility programs #6
and #10 were also
significantly greater than
the conventional fertility
program (Trt. #2). While
the un-fertilized plots
produced slightly over 16
tons per acre, the highest
yield treatment (Trt. #10)
averaged nearly 28 tons per
acre.
The ACLF Base fertility
program (Trt #3) was
among the best programs in
this trial, producing 25.2
tons per acre. Nearly 2/3 of
this treatments seasonal
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Figure W1. Watermelon Yield from Five Harvests in 2008 from Various Fertility
Programs.


yield was collected by the third of five harvests. While not statistically different from the rest, it
also had the heaviest melons on average for all treatment across the five harvests, 13.5 lb each
(Figure W2).
The use of the F07 foliar with the ACLF Base fertility program enhanced the yield to 26.6 tons
per acre, a 1.4 tons/A increase. The final harvest was the main difference between these
treatments (#3 and #6).
The use of PGK (Trt. #4), an experimental formulation of Pro-Germinator, was one of the lower
yielding fertility programs in the trial. The yields were dramatically lower than the identical
program that utilized Pro-Germinator (Trt #3).
The experimental foliar G07 did change the seasonal yield distribution of the watermelons
compared to the ACLF Base programs over which it was applied. However, the total yields after
the five harvests for both treatments were similar. The other foliar program that utilized
applications of Woody Plant & Trees (Trt #7). Yields were also similar in yield to the ACLF Base
program. Last year this foliar program was applied weekly and this year the application interval
was 14 days. The change in
schedule may be related to the
change in the yield response
observed.
Treatment programs #8 & #9 in
this trial utilized the drip irrigation
tubing for the application of the
nitrogen during the growing
season. Comparisons with the
two equivalent pre-plant fertility
programs (Trt #2 & #3) showed a
numerical yield advantage to the
total pre-plant application. A
similar trend was seen for the
Conventional fertility and ACLF
fertility programs. The reduced
yields for the drip irrigation applications may indicate that the nitrogen applications should have
started sooner for treatments 8 & 9. Perhaps starting nitrogen applications a week or two earlier
would have resulted in greater vine growth and potentially higher yields for the drip irrigation
applications. The early season yields would most likely shown the greatest improvement from
more timely nitrogen application.
The last treatment in this trial (#9) provided some very interesting responses on several counts.
This treatment utilized the drip tape not only for
nitrogen, but also as a way to apply a portion (20%) of
the Sure-K and Pro-Germinator for the watermelons
in-season. Like treatments #8 & #9, the early yields
were reduced due to delayed nitrogen applications.
However, the final harvests more than compensated
and the total season yield was the best of all
treatments in this trial, 27.7 tons/acre. A slow start,
but a strong finish.

CONCLUSIONS:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Figure W2. Seasonal Average for Watermelon Size from Various Fertility
P


The ACLF Base fertility program yielded very well and it was still enhanced from the use of some an
experimental foliar product (F-07). When fertilizer was applied with the drip irrigation tape, there was
a significant yield benefit from being timely and applying a portion of the phosphorus and potassium
in-season with the nitrogen.

*SeeProductDe
Pla
Plot
Fertiga
SoilTestV
pH CE
6.8 5
Objectives:D
combination,
Determineif
deliveraport
Conclusions:
Thei
influe
Nitro
large
TheA
inyie
early
Thev
(Trt.
Amo
matc
escriptionsinthe
Experim
Waterm
yields,2
anted: May
tSize: 5x3
ation: mult
Values(ppm):
EC %OM
.2 1
Determinethe
,withphosph
applying100
tionofthefe
initialharvest
encedbythe
ogenapplied
estinitialharv
ACLFBasepro
eldbyTrt.10,
yyieldsfavore
variousACLF
#35)allout
ngallthedrip
chedorgener
eintroductionfo
ment0910
melonprodu
2009.
4
th
30
iple
:
P1 K
77 69
eimpactofin
horus,potass
0%ofthefert
rtilityinseas
tandthenext
fertilityprog
asacombina
vestanditwa
ogram(Trt#3
,wherenearl
edTrt.#10,b
basedprogra
yieldedthes
pfertilitybas
rallyexceeded
ormoreinforma
5:Preplan
uction.Imp
Varie
Replicatio
Fol
S %
8 3
nseasonapp
iumorbothw
ilizerneedsp
son.
ttwoorthre
gramsusedin
tionofHighN
asamongthe
3)where100%
ly100%ofthe
utthemiddle
amsusedinth
imilarapplica
edtreatment
dtheconven
ationonACLFpr
Page25
ntorsplitap
pactofnitro
ety: RubySe
ons: 3
iar: none
%K %Mg
3.4 22.8
licationsofva
willpromote
preplantism
eharvestsas
thistrial.
NRGNandeN
topyielding
%oftheferti
enitrogenwa
eharvestsfav
histrialwith
ationprogram
tprograms(T
tionaldripap
roductsused.
pplications
gentypean
eedless
%Ca %H
72.8
ariousnitroge
watermelon
moreeffective
wellastotal
Nhanced28%
treatmentsfo
litywasappli
asapplieddu
voredTrt.#3.
100%ofthen
mwithconven
Trt.#610),th
pplicationpro
offertilizer
ndtimingon
Population
Harvested
%Na Z
1 1
enproducts,
yieldsand/or
thanusingd
seasonsyield
%UAN(Trt.#4
ortheseason
iedpreplant
ringthegrow
nutrientsapp
ntionalprodu
heACLFprodu
ogram(Trt.#6
BCL015210N
foroptimiz
nwatermelo
n: 2900
d: Multiple

Zn Mn
1.3 5
aloneorin
rmaturity.
ripirrigation
dsappearedt
4)resultedin
naswell.
wascloselym
wingseason.
pliedpriorto
ucts(Trt.#2).
uctcombinati
6).(seenextp
RG
zing
on
B
0.4
to
tobe
the
matched
The
planting
ions
page)
*SeeProductDescriptionsintheintroductionformoreinformationonACLFproductsused. BCL015210NRG
Page26
Yieldsfortheinseasonnitrogenapplicationprogramsweretypicallybelowthoseobservedforthe
100%preplantprograms.Thisistheoppositethetrendobservedinpriortrials.Thecoolgrowing
conditionsmusthavefavoredthepreplantapplicationsovertheinseasontreatmentsthisyear.
Thenutrientuseefficienciesweregenerally24XgreaterfortheACLFbasedprogramswhencompared
toconventionalmaterials,regardlessofapplicationtiming.
TableW1.Fertilitytreatmentprogramsforsoilanddripirrigationappliedplantnutrients,2009OR
Applicationtiming,rateandplacementinformationutilizedfor2009watermelonproductiontrial.
Method of
Application
Nutra.
App.

NUE
#
1 Untreated NA
2
0-0-60+18-46-0+46-0-0+Mn 142#, 140#, 326#, 5#, 1#, 4# broadcast
354.9 91.8 10-34-0 6 transplant
3
117.8 405.8 PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn 6.4,2,4 qt, 2 pt transplant
4
HN +eN28 +Sure-K 15 +20 +4.6 band
5
eN28 +Sure-K 40 +4.6 band
6
0-0-60+18-46-0+46-0-0+Mn 142#, 140#, 196#, 5#, 1#, 4# broadcast
355.1 104.8
28% UAN 2.5 Drip / 8X
7
PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn 6.4,3,4 qt, 2 pt transplant
117.4 304.4 HN +Sure-K +PG 3.5 +1 +.25 Drip/Week
8
121.5 354.2
PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn 3.8,1.2, 4 qt, 2 pt transplant
HNR +PG+SK 2+.33+.5 Drip / 8X
9
123.7 344.0
HNR 2 Drip / 8X
10
120.8 399.1 HNR +Sure-K 4.7 +0.75 Drip / 8X
TheplotswereestablishedonMayXXbybandingdownthecenterorbroadcastingtheappropriatefertilizers
intotheplotareasandthencoveringthecenter2ftofeach5ftwideplotwithplasticmulch.Holeswere
openedintheplasticmulchevery3ftandthentransplantswith23leaveswereplantedintoeachhole.Each
30ftplotcontained8RubySeedlesswatermelonplantsand3pollinatorplants.Duringthecourseofthe
growingseason,irrigation,fungicidesandinsecticideswereapplieduniformlytoallplotsasnecessary.The
fertigationapplicationswerestartedasthevinesbegantoruninmidJuneandwererepeatedweeklyfora
totalof8applications.SinceharvestcontinueduntilmidSeptembertherewasnoadditionalfertilityappliedin
thelastmonthofthegrowingseason.Hadthegrowingseasonbeenmoretypical,applicationswouldhave
continuedmuchlaterintotheharvestperiod.Ateachharvest,thevineswereusedtotraceeachmelonback
totheirhomeplotssotheycouldbeaccuratelycollected,countedandweightedtodetermineyields.Melons
producedbythepollinatorvarietywerenotusedforyieldevaluationsinthistrial.
#SeeAppendixVforadditionalequipment,applicationanddripirrigationdescriptionandinformation.
Page27
AppendixVegetables
AbbreviationsUsed
o HN=HighNRGN
o HNR=HighNRGNR
o PG=ProGerminator
o SK=SureK
o M500=Micro500
o eN28=eNhance+28%UANmixedaccordingtolabelinstructions
o Mn=ManganeseFlavanol
o fertiRain=ExperimentalF07,a1233byanalysis.
ExperimentalF07hasbeenmovedfromthecategoryofExperimentalproductsintoanamedfoliar
fertilizer fertiRain. The basic analysis for this material is a 1233. For more specific product
information,pleaseconsultthefertiRainlabelandusedirections.
ExperimentalG07remainedanexperimentalfoliarfertilizerproductforthe2009growingseason.
Trialswereconductedonvariousvegetablesandsometreefruitcrops.Seeindividualresearchreports
forapplicationprogramsandresultsobtainedforthismaterial.
1562 ACLF combination was prepared from common ACLF products for use as a foliar fertilizer to
replace watersoluble 202020 fertilizer blends. Due to the differences in nutrient use efficiency for
the ACLF products, the actual analysis is only 1562. One clear advantage for this product
combination has been the ease of use as conventional dry materials must first be solublized prior to
mixinganduse.Typicaluseratesevaluatedhavebeen12quartsperacre.
Admire and Ridomil pesticides were applied as a soil drench at the recommended rates of
applicationduringtransplantorshortlyafteremergenceforalldirectseededcrops.
Fungicides (1014 day interval) and insecticides (as necessary) were applied throughout the growing
seasonwithanairblastbackpacksprayeroperatedat10gallonsperacre,ensuringthroughcoverage
by these pesticides for healthy growth of the plants. Various fungicides and insecticides were used
throughouttheseasontodiversifythemodesofactionandavoidresistance.Theratesofuseandthe
frequency of application were based label recommendations for each product applied as well as
environmental conditions. Fungicides
were applied prophylacticly and
insecticides were applied as necessary
wheninsectpestswerefound.
Fertigation / Fertilizer application with

the drip irrigation water was conducted
as follows. The drip line for each plot
row was equipped with a valve at the
header line. This allowed
water/fertilizer to be directed to
selected plots during irrigation. The
amount of fertilizer(s) appropriate for
eachrowwasdilutedwithwateruptoa
total volume of 15 gallons and then
pumped into the appropriate plot area.
DripirrigationApplications
Page28
Fifteen additional gallons of additional water was then used to flush the mix tank, pump and header
linesbetweentreatments.Followingthelastfertigationtreatment,allplotswereirrigatedforatleast
4 additional hours to further distribute the fertilizer within each plot. Treatment programs were
based on a total of 8 fertilizer applications being made during the 2009 season. The 2009 growing
season would have allowed for additional applications due to delays in maturity, but stopping at 8
applicationskeptfertilityratesuniformacrosstreatments.
Foliarfertilizerapplicationstypicallystartedatfullbloomunlessotherwisestatedandcontinuedona
biweeklybasisuntilabouttwoweekspriortothefinalharvest.Allfoliarapplicationsweremadewith
abackpacksprayerandhandboomequippedwithflatfannozzles.Thefertilizermixtureswerediluted
withwaterandappliedatatotalvolumeof15gallonsperacre.Whiletheseapplicationscouldhave
beencombinedwithpesticideapplications,theyweresprayedseparatelyandneveronthesameday
aspesticideapplicationstopreventofftargetapplicationorproductinteractions.Additionally,no
adjuvantwasusedwithanyoftheseapplications.
NutrientUseEfficiencybyProduct
ActualLbNutrientpergallonforkeyACLFproducts
Product
ActualLb.Nutrientpergallon
Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium
HighNRGN
27001
2.89 0 0
HighNRGNR
24001
2.35 0 0
ProGerminator
9243
0.99 2.66 0.33
SureK
216
0.19 0.09 0.56
fertiRain
1233
1.19 0.30 0.30


Experiment: Cantaloupe Fertility Programs (05-31)
Year: 2005 (05-31)
Date of Planting/Harvest: J une 2 / Aug 17 Sept 7
Plot Size: 5 x 15

Cantaloupes Fertility Programs
Fertilizer Total Total Wt Avg. Size
Program melons/A ton/A lbs/melon
Agro-Culture Liquid 8712 30.6 7.0
ACLF + Foliar 8712 31.2 7.2
Conventional 7938 28.3 7.1
Untreated Check 7163 24.2 6.8
LSD (0.2) 1417 5.4 0.7

ACLF: 2 gal/A High NRG-N +2 gal/A 9-24-3 +8 gal/A Sure-K +2 qt/A Micro 500 (band at
planting); 18 gal/A High NRG-N (sidedress)
Foliar: 2 gal/A Sure-K +1 gal/A Nutr. Foliar +2 oz PTS (weekly foliar from fruit set through
harvest - 7 applications total)
Conventional: 180 lbs/A 0-0-60 +50 lbs/A 18-46-0 (preplant broadcast); 30 gal/A 28%
UAN

Liquid Fertilizer was placed in a band next to the seed at planting. Sidedress was
done on J une 23
rd
, fertilizer was placed in a band next the row. Dry fertilizer was
broadcast and incorporated before planting.
Harvest was done by hand beginning on August 17
th
and continued thru September
7
th
as fruit ripened. Melons were counted and weighed to calculate yield.
All fertilizer programs increased the number of melon, melon size, and total yield over
the untreated check.
Highest yielding program was the Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers programs with the
addition of foliar applications. 6.4 tons/A higher than the check and 2.3 tons/A higher
than the conventional program.
The addition of foliar applications to the Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers program did
not produces more melons per area; however, these melons were larger which
produces more total tons/acre.

pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)


Experiment: Cantaloupe
Date of Planting/Harvest: May 23, 2006 / Mid-J uly to mid Sept
Hybrid: Superstar
Plot Size (replications): 5 x 15, 3 reps

The objective for this trial was to compare the yield and quality of
cantaloupe produced with various Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer
programs. A comparison of Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer
programs with conventional fertilizer products was also made.

Cantaloupes were first introduced to North America by
Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in
1494 (www.Wikipedia.org). Since that time the acreage has
steadily increased until now there are nearly 91,000 acres of
cantaloupes produced in the US with a value of over $300 million
(2005 USDA Ag Statistics Vegetable Summary). Still, greater yields and higher quality
melons are continuously sought by todays producers.
The entire plot area received the equivalent of 20 tons/Acre of dairy manure prior to
being plowed to a depth of 6 during fall tillage. In the spring, a tractor mounted rotor-
tiller was used to prepare the plots for planting.
Superstar cantaloupes were directly seeded into the research plot area on May 23,
2006. Each plot was 5 x 15 and consisted of five hills with 36 in-row spacing.
Granular fertilizers for the conventional treatment were broadcast across selected
plots and incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The Agro-Culture Liquid
Fertilizers were banded with a fertilizer knife that placed the products two inches
below the soil surface and just to the side of the seed row. On J une 13
th
the same
applicator was used to sidedress nitrogen into all the plots. These applications were
placed 2 deep and 4-5 to the side of the plant row as vines were starting to run.
Foliar fertilizer applications started with the initial fruit set on J uly 14
th
. Treatments
were reapplied every 7-10 days until September 5
th
when the last application was
made. A total of eight applications for each foliar treatment were made during the
growing season. All applications were made with a backpack sprayer and hand
boom equipped with flat fan nozzles. These fertilizer mixtures were diluted with water
and applied at a total volume of 15 gallons per acre. Fungicides and insecticides
were applied separately, but in a similar manner as needed through out the season.
Cantaloupes were harvested continuously every 7-10 days starting on Aug. 17
th
.
Each melon was deemed mature when the tendril on the vine nearest the melon
turned brown. Mature melons were harvested by hand and weighted individually until
a final harvest on Sept 11
th
.
PTS in treatment #3 is Protriastim, a protein cell carrier with a tri-alcohol growth
stimulant that boosts the crops ability to store energy for the photosynthetic process.

RESULTS:
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)
Granular fertilizers were applied according to published
guidelines from Michigan State Universitys Nutrient
Recommendations for Vegetable Crops in Michigan. Ext
Bulletin E2934, 2004


Total cantaloupe yield for all Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer treatment were
substantially greater than the Conventional fertilizer program, with 1.9 to 11.6
tons/Acre increases (Table C2).
The largest individual harvest for all treatments typically occurred at the second
picking and all subsequent harvests typically exhibited lower yields. However, the
basic Agro-Culture Liquid fertility program (Trt. 1) alone and with foliar treatments
(Trt. 2) both exhibited relatively stable yield for all seven harvests.
The average melon size was increased from the regular use of Sure-K and Nutritional
foliar combinations (Trt. 2) compared to the conventional fertilizer program. Average
melon size was increased as much as 1.5 lbs over the conventional program and 0.7
lb. over the Agro-Culture Liquid program (Trt 1).
The use of PTS (Protriastim - Trt 3), promoted earliness and greater yields in the
initial harvests of this trial. Average melon size was also increased compared to the
conventional fertilizer program.

Table C2. Effect of fertility programs on Cantaloupe yields by harvest date.
*Values with different letters are significantly different according to Duncans Multiple Range Test (P<0.10)

Table C1. Fertility Programs for 2006 season Cantaloupe Trial
Treatment / Products Rate (gal./A) Application
1 High NRG-N +Pro-Germ. +Sure-K +Micro 500 2 +2 +8 +2 qt 1.5" below seed
Sure-K +Nutritional Foliar 2 +1 weekly foliar
Sure-K +Nutritional Foliar +PTS 2 +1 +2 oz weekly foliar
Experimental Foliar #1 3 Weekly Foliar
5 0-0-60 180# Broadcast
Sum Final
Harvest 4-6
Harvest
Lbs.
1
Plant/SD 3.5 3.4 2.0 15.5 0.7 25.1
5.7 a
2
Plant/SD/ Foliar 3.4 7.1 3.4 6.4 3.6 23.9
7.1 a
3
Plant/SD/ Foliar w/ PTS 6.0 5.6 1.3 3.7 1.6 18.1
6.2 b
4
Plant/SD/Exp Foliar #1 7.0 6.7 1.4 9.2 3.5 27.8
6.4 b
5
Dry Program 3.8 7.4 1.8 2.0 1.1 16.2
5.6 b
Total
Yield
Average
Melon Size*
Yield (tons / Acre)
Treatment
Harvest 1 Harvest 2 Harvest 3


Total cantaloupe yield was significantly increased and the average melon size was
improved by 0.8 lbs/melon for the Experimental Foliar #1 compared to the
conventional fertilizer program. Enhanced total yield came primarily from a greater
number of melons harvested per plant, 15.6% more than observed for the
conventional fertilizer program (data not shown). Additionally, the largest impact from
this treatment program occurred early in the season. Approximately 25% of the total
yield was picked in each of the first two harvests (Over 50% total yield by the second
harvest). Still, yields from the following 5 harvests were comparable to the other
foliar fertility program utilized in treatment 2.

Conclusions:
The Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs enhanced the total yield and average size of the
cantaloupes. Foliar fertilizers had the greatest impact cantaloupe size and the yields from
the initial harvests were promoted.


Experiment: Cantaloupe Fertility Programs 2 year summary
Year: 2005 &2006 (05-31, 06-201)
Date of Planting/Harvest: J une 2 / Aug 17 Sept 7, 2005
May 23 / Aug 17 Sept 12, 2006
Plot Size: 5 ft x 15 ft, 3 reps

Cantaloupe Fertility Program Yield Results
North Central Research Station
2 year Average (2005 & 2006)
Fertilizer Program
Total Melons/A Total Wt. (tons/A) Average Size (lb./melon)
2005 2006 Avg. 2005 2006 Avg. 2005 2006 Avg.
Agro-Culture Liquid 8712 7550 8131 30.6 25.1 27.0 7.0 5.7 6.4
ACLF & Foliar 8712 6195 7454 31.2 23.9 27.6 7.2 7.1 7.1
Conventional Fert. 7938 5421 6680 28.3 16.2 25.0 7.1 6.2 6.7
LSD* (P<0.20) 1417 868 5.4 3.2 0.7 1.4
*LSD is for yield parameters by year (within each column) only.
The objective for these trials was to compare the yield and quality of cantaloupe produced
with various Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs and conventional fertilizer products.
Liquid Fertilizer was placed in a band next to the seed at planting. Sidedress was
placed in a band next the row and two inches below the surface. Dry fertilizer was
broadcast and incorporated before planting.
Foliar applications were made with a backpack sprayer equipped with flat-fan nozzles
and application volume of 15 gallons per acre.
Hand harvest of the plots began in mid-August and continued thru early September.
As fruit ripened melons were counted and weighed individually to calculate yield.
Results:
All Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs increased the number of melons and total
cantaloupe yield over the conventional fertilizer
program.
Highest yielding program was the Agro-Culture
Liquid Fertilizers program with in season foliar
applications. The two year average for total yield
was 2.6 tons/A higher and 0.4 lb./melon heavier
than the conventional fertility program.
The addition of foliar applications to the Agro-
Culture Liquid Fertilizer soil program did not
produces more melons per acre; however, the
melons receiving foliar treatments were larger and harvested earlier in the season,
therefore total tons/acre and crop value were both increased.
Table C1. Fertility Programs for 2005 & 2006 season Cantaloupe Trials.
Treatment / Products Rate (gal./A) Application
Sure-K +Nutritional Foliar 2 +1 weekly foliar
3 0-0-60 180# Broadcast
pH ~7.3 P1 ~61
CEC ~6.3 K ~87
OM ~1.8% (3.5% K)


Conclusions:
Cantaloupes grown with the Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer programs exhibited higher melon
set and total yield per acre. Melon size was also promoted with the regular foliar
applications of Sure K and Nutritional Foliar.


Experiment1: Cantaloupe Foliar
Date of Planting/Harvest: May 15, 2007 / August, 2007
Hybrid/Variety: Athena

Cantaloupes are a summer favorite for many people. The modern ability to store and ship produce
has essentially made this and many other melons available 12 months of the year in most locations.
The purpose for this trial was to compare the yield and quality of cantaloupe produced with various
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer soil and foliar fertility programs. Comparisons with conventional
fertilizer products were also made.
The entire plot area was soybeans in the season prior to this trial. The stubble was lightly
worked in the spring with a field cultivator to prepare for establishment of the plots. A yield goal
of 12 tons/acre along with Michigan State Universitys Vegetable Fertility Guide (E2934) was
used as the basis for fertility levels.
The dry fertilizers were broadcast then lightly
incorporated, liquid fertilizer materials were banded
on the soil surface in the center of selected plot areas
and then all plots were formed into beds (4 tall x 24
wide) with plastic mulch covering the center of each
5 wide plot. Forming the bed placed the liquid
fertilizers approximately 3-4 below the top of this
bed. On May 15, 2007, after ripping small holes into
the plastic mulch, Athena cantaloupes were directly
seeded 1.5 deep with 36 in-row spacing. Each plot
area was 15 long and consisted of five hills of
cantaloupe.
Fungicides and insecticides were applied as necessary through out the growing season with
an air-blast backpack sprayer operated at 10 gallons per acre, ensuring through coverage by
the selected pesticides.

Table CF1. Fertility Programs for 2007 season Cantaloupe Trial
SK =Sure-K
, PG=Pro-Germinator
, HN =High HRG-N
, G07 =Experimental Foliar

Treatment (Yield goal =12 tons/A) Rate/A (gal/A)
Method of
Application
1
0-0-60+Mn+Zn
28% UAN +10-34-0
235#, 5#, 4#
45+21.4
PPI
Band
2 HN +PG +SK +Micro 500
+Mn 32, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt Band

3
HN +PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn
Sure-K, Nutritional Foliar
32, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt
2+1
Band
Foliar
4
Sure-K +G07
32, 6.4, 10.9 2.3 qt, 1 pt
2 +1 qt
Band
Foliar
5
Sure-K +G07 +Premium Ca
32, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt
2+1qt +1qt
Band
Foliar
6
HN +PG +SK +Micro 500 +Mn
Sure-K +Green and Grow Write Pro.
32, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt
2 +2 qt
Band
Foliar
7
HN +PG +SK +Micro 500 +Mn
Sure-K +Woody Plants & Trees
32, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt
2 +2 qt
Band
Foliar
pH ~7.3 P1 ~39
CEC ~5.5 K ~80
OM ~1.6% (3.5% K)


Starting on Aug. 6
th
cantaloupes were harvested every 2-3 days for one month. Each melon
was deemed mature when the tendril on the vine nearest the melon turned brown. Melons
were harvested by hand and weighted until the final harvest on Sept 4
th
. Some melons were
damaged by mice or other small animals in the plot area. However, the locations for the
damaged melons appeared to be random and therefore damaged melons were not included in
any harvest evaluations.

RESULTS:

Total cantaloupe yield for all Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer treatments were similar or greater
than the conventional fertilizer program (Chart CF1). The use of ACLF products vs.
conventional fertilizers to meet the basic nutrient needs of the cantaloupe showed only a slight,
0.5 tons/Acre, advantage for the basic ACLF program (Trt#2).
Regular applications of ACLF foliar fertilizers resulted in modest to highly significant yield
increases (0.1 to 4.4 tons/Acre) above the base ACLF soil only program (Trt #2).
Two foliar fertilizer treatments had total yields noticeably greater than all others, Trt #4
(Experimental G07 @ 1 qt/A.) and Treatment #7 (Woody Plants and Trees
@ 2qts/A). The
regular use of G07 @ 1 qt/A resulted in two additional tons of cantaloupe per acre at the end of
the season vs. ACLF soil only applications. When Woody Plants and Trees was used regularly
at 2qt/A. the total yield was 4.9 tons per acre above the base conventional fertility program.
With both of these foliar programs, there was also a shift toward earlier maturity (Chart CF2).
Chart CF1. Effect of soil and foliar fertility programs on the total yield of fresh market
cantaloupe.

Yield for the basic ACLF soil only program was somewhat uniformly spaced out over the
entire month in which yields were collected. However, approximately 60
+
% of all melons
produced by most other treatments were harvested within 8 days of the initial harvest (Chart
CF2). The enhanced maturity offered by the foliar fertilizer applications would have been most
advantageous to commercial farms with limited harvests. Still, the uniformity of yield over many
weeks for the basic ACLF soil only program would have benefited a road-side stand or truck
17.5
18.0 18.1
20.0
18.7 18.6
22.4
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
Conventional ACLF ACLFw/ SK,
NF,Ca
ACLFw/
G07@1qt
ACLFw/G07+
Ca
ACLFw/
GGWP@2qt
ACLFw/
WPT@2qt
FoliarTreatmentcomparisons
TotalCantaloupeYield
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)


garden. Still, this is only one years research and it is not possible to say if these effects will be
consistent across multiple seasons. Therefore, most treatments in this trial will be repeated in
2008.
Full season yields for all cantaloupe treatment programs were well above expectations and
well beyond the fertilizer application rates utilized for this trial. The decline in harvestable
melons after the fourth harvest may be due in part to limited fertility as well as damage from foot
traffic during harvest and late season foliar applications.
Chart CF2. Effect of various fertility programs on Fresh Market Cantaloupe yields by harvest (2-
3 day interval between harvests).
Cantaloupe plots at initial fruit set.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
0
5
10
15
20
25
Potash&Conv.
Liquids
ACLF ACLFw/SK,
NF,Ca
ACLFw/
G07@1qt
ACLFw/G07+
Ca
ACLFw/
GGWP@2qt
ACLFw/
WPT@2qt
FoliarTreatmentcomparisons
11th 10th 9th 8th 7th 6th
5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)


Experiment: Cantaloupe Drip Irrigation Applications
Date of Planting/Harvest: May 15, 2007 / August, 2007
Hybrid: Athena

Cantaloupes are a commodity that is commonly grown in dry areas that require irrigation. Therefore,
many growers have begun to utilize the drip tape as a means to spoon-feed fertilizer to the plants
during the growing season. However, the fertilizers used must not react with the irrigation water to
produce solids or have impurities that could plug the drip irrigation lines. The main objective for this
trial was to compare the yield and quality of cantaloupe produced with various forms of ACLF
nitrogen applied via drip irrigation and various pre-plant fertility programs. Comparisons with
conventional fertilizer products were also made.
The entire plot area was soybeans in the season
prior to this trial. The stubble was lightly worked in
the spring with a field cultivator to prepare for
establishment of the plots. A yield goal of 10
tons/acre along with Michigan State Universitys
Vegetable Fertility Guide (E2934) was used as the
basis for fertility levels.
The dry fertilizers were broadcast then lightly
incorporated, liquid fertilizer materials were banded
on the soil surface in the center of selected plot
areas and then all plots were formed into beds (4
tall x 24 wide) with plastic mulch covering the center of each plot. Forming the bed placed the
liquid fertilizers approximately 3-4 below the top-center of this bed. Each plot area was 5 x 15
and consisted of five hills of cantaloupe. On May 15, 2007, after ripping small holes into the
plastic mulch, Athena cantaloupes were directly seeded 1.5 deep with 36 in-row spacing.
Fertilizer injections began as the plants started to produce runners and continued through the
entire harvest period.

Table CD1. Drip Irrigation Fertility Programs for 2007 season Cantaloupe Trial
SK =Sure-K
, PG=Pro-Germinator
, HN =High HRG-N
, eNh =eNhance
, Mn-F =Manganese Flavanol
.

Fungicides and insecticides were applied as necessary through out the growing season with
an air-blast backpack sprayer operated at 10 gallons per acre, ensuring through coverage by
these pesticides.
Method of
Application
1 Untreated Control 0 na
2
0-0-60 +18-46-0 +Mn +Zn
28% UAN
235#, 180#, 5#, 4#
4.2
PPI
Drip
3
0-0-60 +Mn +Zn +10-34-0
28% UAN
235#, 5#, 4#, 21.4
4.5
PPI/band
Drip
4
HN +PG +SK +Micro 500 +Mn-F
High NRG-NR

5, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt
4
Band
Drip
pH ~7.3 P1 ~39
CEC ~5.5 K ~80
OM ~1.6% (3.5% K)


0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Starting on Aug. 6
th
cantaloupes were harvested every 2-3 days for one month. Each melon
was deemed mature when the tendril on the vine nearest the melon turned brown. Melons
were harvested by hand and weighted until the final harvest on Sept 4
th
.
Some melons were damaged by mice or other small animals in the plot area. Locations for
the damaged melons appeared to be random and therefore, damaged melons were not
included in any harvest evaluations. However, because of the small plot size it is possible that
this damage changed the true yield values for the treatments.

RESULTS:

Over 65% to as high as 84% of all cantaloupe produced in this trial were harvested in the first 4
harvests / 8 day interval (Chart CD1) of this trial. The yield goal of 10 tons per acre was
achieved or exceeded by the fourth harvest as well. Seven additional harvests over the next
three week period added only minor percentages of the total yield per harvest (Chart CD2).
However, the total yields for treatments #2 & #4 were double the yield goal for these melons
due to the extended harvest interval.
Yields from the use of conventional dry fertilizer (potash & 18-46-0) with 28% UAN via the drip
irrigation system (Trt. #2) was similar to where 10-34-0 liquid applied in a band was substituted
for 18-46-0 (Trt. #3) for the first four harvests, but total yields were lower for the 10-34-0 plots
full season (Chart CD2).
The ACLF fertility program used in this trial resulted in a 21% increase over the unfertilized
control treatment after only 4 harvests and 31.5% greater over the total season, 11 harvests.

Chart CD1. Cantaloupe yield by treatment from the first four hand harvests.

13.3
15.4
15.7
16.2
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)


Chart CD2. Full season yield by harvest for Cantaloupe when most of the Nitrogen was applied via
drip irrigation.

0
5
10
15
20
25 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th
Y
i
e
l
d

(
T
o
n
s
/
A
c
r
e
)

*SeeProductDe
Pla
Plot
Fertiga
SoilTestV
pH CE
6.8 5
Objectives:T
and/ormatu
cantaloupey
Conclusions:
TheA
form
amon
conv
Thef
used
Folia
num
TheA
didn
mont
o
escriptionsinthe
Experim
product
yields.
anted:
tSize: 5x3
ation: none
Values(ppm):
EC %OM
.2 1
Todemonstra
rity.Compar
yields.
ACLFBasepro
mostharvests
ngthoseharv
ventionalferti
firstthreehar
inthistrial.
ruseofferti
beredharves
ACLFBasetre
tincreaseth
thharvestpe
o UseofPla
cantaloup
roadsides
eintroductionfo
ment09109:
tion.Impact
30
e
:
P1 K
77 69
atethevalue
rebasefertilit
ogram(Trt.2
resultingina
vestedfromt
ilityprogram.
rvestsaswell
Rainresulted
stsascompar
eatmentwas
etotalyieldp
eriod.Thesec
antProducts2
peproduction
standthatpr
ormoreinforma
Foliarappli
ofconventio
Varie
Replicatio
Fol
S %
8 3
ofvariousfol
typrogramsb
)producedsl
a1.6tonper
theACLFBase
.Therefore,o
lastotalseas
dinthehighe
redtomostot
usedbehind
produced,the
changescanb
202020(Trt
noneachhar
efersaconst
ationonACLFpr
Page11
icationsoffe
onalfertilizer
ety: Aphrod
ons: 3
iar: Multipl
%K %Mg
3.4 22.8
liarfertilizerp
betweenconv
ightlygreate
acreincrease
etreatmentw
onlyaportion
sonsyieldwe
estyieldinthi
thertreatme
allfoliarferti
eydidappear
bevaluableto
t.7)asafolia
rvestdate.Th
antsupplyov
roductsused.
ertilizerforo
rsandACLF
dite
e
%Ca %H
72.8
productsand
ventionalma
ryieldsthant
efortheseas
was1.0lbper
noftheyield
reinfluenced
istrial,showi
ntprograms.
litytreatmen
rtoimpactyi
osomeprodu
rresultedina
histypeofpro
veracouplela
optimizingca
Baseprogram
Population
Harvested
%Na Z
1 1
programson
terialsandAC
theconventio
on.Also,the
rmelonheavi
differencew
dbythefoliar
ngthelarges
nts.Whilesom
elddistributi
ucerswithout
arelativelyun
oductioncou
argeharvests
BCL015210N
antaloupe
msoncantal
n: 2900
d: Multiple

Zn Mn
1.3 5
ncantaloupe
CLFProducts
onalprogram
eaveragemel
ierthanforth
wasduetofru
rfertilityprog
stimpactont
mefoliarprog
onovertheo
tincreasingy
niformlevelo
ldbefavorab
s.(seenextpa
RG
loupe
B
0.4
yields
on
m(Trt.1)
lonsize
he
uitset.
grams
theodd
grams
one
yields.
of
blefora
age)
Page12
o ApplyingLiberateCa(Trt.8)tothecantalouperesultedinahighpercentageofthetotalyield
fromthefirstthreeharvests.Commercially,thiscouldbeveryfavorableiflimitingthenumber
harvestsareofvalue.Still,repeatabilityofthisfirstyeartreatmentisuncertain.
Theexperimentfoliar,G07(Trt.4),andPTSappliedweekly(Trt.6)eachhadpositiveimpactsonthe
totalcantaloupeyieldwithaslightlydifferentdistributionoftheyieldovertheharvestperiod.Fewer
applicationsfortheG07programcouldgiveittheadvantageinsomeproductionsystems.
TableW1.Foliarfertilitytreatmentprogramstopromotecantaloupeyieldsand/orquality,2009.
ConventionalandACLFbasedfertilitycomparisonsincantaloupe.
Method of
Application
1
0-0-60+Mn+Zn+B 382#, 5#, 4#, 1# Broadcast
28% UAN +10-34-0 60+21.4 Band
2 HN +PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn 40 +6.4+17.6, 4 qt, 2 pt Band
3
HN +PG +SK +Micro 500+Mn 40 +6.4+17.6, 4 qt, 2 pt Band
Ferti-Rain (F-07) 3 Foliar -14D
4
G07 2 qt Foliar -14D
5
PTS+Sure-K 2 oz +2 Foliar -14D
6
PTS+Sure-K 2 oz +1 Foliar -7D
7
Plant Products 20-20-20 3 lbs. Foliar -14D
8
Liberate Ca +Sure-K 1 qt +2 Foliar -14D
TheplotswereestablishedonMay22bybandingliquidfertilizersdownthecenterand/orbroadcastingdry
fertilizersovereachplotarea.Thecenter2ftofeach5ftwideplotwasthencoveredwithplasticmulch.
Holeswereopenedintheplasticmulchevery3ftand34seedswereplacedabout1intothesoilandcovered
foreachhole.Atotalof10hillsperplotwereplanted.Duringthecourseofthegrowingseason,irrigation,
fungicidesandinsecticideswereapplieduniformlytoallplotsasnecessary.Foliarapplicationswerestartedas
thevinesbegantobloominmidJuneandwererepeatedregularlyaccordingtothescheduleshowninthe
tableaboveuntilafterthefourthharvest.Eachfoliartreatmentwasappliedtothecenterfourft.ofeachplot
tominimizetreatingplantsfromtheneighboringplots.However,bylateseasonthevinesfrommany
treatmentsextendedintoneighboringplots.Foreachharvest,theripemelonsweretracedbacktotheirhome
plotssotheycouldbeaccuratelycollected,countedandweightedfordeterminingyields.
ResponsibleNutrientManagement
Trt. Total Yield Nutr. App NUE
#

1. Conventional Fert 12.2 518.3 47.2
2. ACLF Base 13.8 156.0 176.3
3. F07 15.5 209.5 147.6
4. G07 15.1 164.8 183.2
5. PTS(14 day) 13.2 172.9 152.9
6. PTS(7 day) 15.1 172.9 174.5
7. PP 20-20-20 13.1 174.0 150.8
8. Lib Ca 13.9 172.9 160.7
#
Nutrient Use Efficiency - (Lb. Yield/ Total Lb Nutrients applied)

Melons

Загружено:

Сведения о документе

Авторское право

Доступные форматы

Поделиться этим документом

Поделиться или встроить документ

Параметры публикации

Этот документ был вам полезен?

Это неприемлемый материал?

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

Melons

Загружено:

Авторское право:

Доступные форматы

High-Performance Proof Research011021NRG

Fertigation / Fertilizer application with

, G07 =Experimental Foliar

+Mn 32, 6.4, 10.9, 2.3 qt, 1 pt Band

, Mn-F =Manganese Flavanol

Вам также может понравиться