Cantaloupe Response to CN9™ Fertilizer

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at four sites in 2005 in the Yuma Valley, AZ (approximately 150 ft. elevation) to evaluate the performance of CN9 fertilizer [a N-calcium (Ca) based fertilizer (9-0-0-11)] in comparison to a conventional N fertilizer source with irrigated melons/cantaloupes (Cucumis melo L.). Each field was divided into two equal (approximately 40 acres) sections. One section received the grower’s N fertilizer source (Conventional) while the other section received the CN9 fertilizer. Basic plant growth and development measurements, aboveground biomass, total and marketable yield, Sugar fruit content as well as total nutrient analysis were among the main variables analyzed. In general, all phenology variables responded similarly between conventional and CN9 treatments. Fresh weight yields ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 kg/ha were observed between conventional and CN9 treatments. Statistical analyses show that total yield between conventional and CN9 was statistically the same; with the exception of the Perriconi site. Similar results were observed for marketable yield. Brix values ranged from 10 to 14 percent, statistical differences for Brix values between the conventional and CN9 treatments were found on the Perriconi and Mason 80 sites where the conventional treatment had higher sugar content in the fruit. Overall, there were no differences in nutrient uptake and allocation patterns due to the addition of CN9 among experimental sites or sampling dates. Regarding the allocation of nutrients in the rind and flesh of melons, the same patterns between treatments at all sites were observed.