Application of liquid organic fertilizer and KNO3 on the growth and production of melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

The study aims to determine and analyze the effect of applying liquid organic fertilizer and KNO3 on the growth and production of melons. This research was conducted at KWT Alamanda, BTN Mangga Tiga, Pacerakkang, Biringkanaya District, Makassar City, from May to July 2024. This research was conducted in the form of a Factorial Design experiment in a randomized block design consisting of 2 factors, the Lirst factor is the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer (P) which consists of four levels, namely: P0 = control, P1 = 50 mL L−1, P2 = 60 mL L−1 and P3 = 70 mL L−1. While the second factor is the dose of KNO3 (K) which consists of four levels, namely: K0 = control, K1 = 2 g plant−1, K2 = 4 g plant−1, and K3 = 6 g plant−1. The results showed that the interaction between the treatment of liquid organic fertilizer concentration of 60 mL L−1 and a dose of KNO3 4 g plant−1 gave the best results on melon productivity (29.78 tons ha−1). The dose of KNO3 2 g/plant gave the best results on the total dissolved solids parameter (10.63% brix). The addition of liquid organic fertilizer and KNO3 has been shown to increase melon productivity and production. The addition of potassium fertilizer has been shown to increase the sweetness of melons.