Watermelon fertigation with electrical conductivity and ph monitoring in the soil solution

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the olericulture, in general, is practiced intensive fertilization, which creates a risk of salinization and change of high pH, which if not well monitored can cause production losses, excessive spending on fertilizers and environmental contamination. We developed this study with the aim of controlling fertigation on watermelon through the behavior of the electrical conductivity (EC) and pH in the soil solution obtained through porous ceramic cups extractors. The EC and pH values were corrected by the current soil moisture for the moisture field capacity, due to different moisture values at the time of extraction. The monitoring comprised 19 assessments during 80 days of cultivation. We can control the pH and EC of the soil and maintain them at optimal levels for the crop through real-time monitoring of the soil solution. The monitoring enabled the achievement of a balanced fertigation.

Keywords

• Citrullus lanatus
• fertilization
• solution extractors
• salinity