Use of organic materials as growing media for melon (Cucumismelo L. CV. Huigu) production in organic cultivation

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Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation

National Pingtung University of Science and Technology

Ph.D. Dissertation

Use of organic materials as growing media for melon

(Cucumismelo L. CV. Huigu) production in organic cultivation

Advisor: Chong-Ho Wang, Ph.D

Student: Nguyen Van Tam

May 10, 2016

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Abstract

Student ID: P10122020

Title of Dissertation: Use of organic materials as growing media for melon

(Cucumismelo L. CV. Huigu) production in organic

cultivation

Total Pages: 212pages

Name of Institute: Department of Tropical Agriculture and International

Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and

Technology

Graduate Date: May 10, 2016Degree Conferred: Doctoral Degree

Name of Student: Nguyen Van Tam Advisor: Chong-Ho Wang, Ph.D.

The Content of Abstract in This Dissertation:

The study was conducted at National Pingtung University of Science and

Technology from August, 2013 to May, 2015. The objectives of the study: (1) To

evaluate the physical and chemical properties of growing media from

vermicompost (VC), spent mushroom substrate (SMS), sulfur (S0

) and their effects

on the growth and nutrient uptake of honeydew melon seedlings; (2) To evaluate

efficiency of using cattle manure compost (CaMC) and coconut husk (CH) to

replace for VC. And then investigating the effects of combination of SMS, VC, S0

with CaMC or CH on physical and chemical properties of growing media and the

respond of honeydew melon seedlings; (3) To evaluate the effects of seedlings,

mixture of SMS with chicken manure compost (ChMC) on yield, and fruit quality

of honeydew melon; (4) To evaluate the effects of SMS, VC, CaMC and their

continuous application on the soil properties, growth and yield of honeydew melon.

The study includes four parts: The first part, we investigated the effects of mixture

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(including SMS, VC, and S0

) on physical, chemical properties of growing media,

their influences on growth and nutrient uptake of honeydew melon seedlings. The

second part, based on the results of the first part, we used CaMC and CH to replace

some parts of VC. And then, we evaluated the influences of combination between

these organic materials on physical, chemical properties of growing media and

their effects on growth and nutrient uptake of honeydew melon seedlings. The third

part, we used honeydew melon seedlings grown in four different substrates in

nursery period and two different rates of organic material mixture (including

CaMC and SMS). And then, we investigated the effects of organic material rates

on physical, chemical properties of the soil. We also evaluated the effects of

different seedlings and different rates of organic materials on the growth, yield,

and fruit quality of honeydew melons. The fourth part, in the first season, the

experiment was carried out in pots under net house condition. Each pot was filled

with a homogenized mixture of 10 kg soil. We mixed VC at the rates of 0.5, 1.0,

and 1.5 kg/pot and SMS at the rates of 0.0, 0.2, and 0.4 kg/pot. We investigated the

effects of VC, SMS and their combination on the soil chemical properties, growth

and yield of honeydew melon. In the second season, we continuously used pots

from the first season. SMS was amended with the same rates as the first season.

However, VC applied was decreased and replaced by CaMC. We continuously

evaluated the effects of SMS, VC, CaMC and their combination on the chemical

soil properties and honeydew melon performance. The results indicated that: (1)

Increasing VC proportion in the growing media induced increase bulk density and

electrical conductivity, while increasing SMS content enhanced aeration porosity,

total porosity, water holding capacity, and pH value. Besides, S0

addition induced

decrease in pH value and increase in EC value of the growing media. Regarding

the most suitable media for seedlings, SMS and VC at the ratio of 50% and S0

added with a rate of 1.0 g kg-1

substrate was considered as optimum condition for

honeydew melon seedling production. (2) All growing media mixed from SMS,

VC, CaMC or CH and S0with the EC value from 3.82 dS m-1 to 4.53 dS m-1were

suitable for honeydew melon seedlingperformance.At the same rate of SMS and

VC, using CaMC produced an increase of nutrient concentration (except for Cu)

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in the growing media. The growing medium with 50% SMS, 30% VC, 20% CH

(pH = 6.41 and EC= 3.95 dS m-1

)gave the best optimum condition for honeydew

melon seedlings. (3) Increasing SMS and ChMC enhanced soil productivity by

increasing chemical, physical properties (pH, EC, OM) and nutrient concentration

in the soil. The different seedlings affected on plant height, stem diameter with the

significance at 99% but they did not influence on total fruit yield and TSS of fruits.

The interaction effect of organic material rates and seedlings on yield and fruit

quality also was not found. Based on the found findings, rates which are the most

suitable for yield and fruit quality of honeydew melon are SMS (40%) + ChMC

(60%) for seedling production and 10 tons SMS + 10 tons ChMC ha-1

(pH = 6.12

and EC = 0.54 dS m-1

)for honeydew melon production in net house. (4) There was

significant increase in soil properties such as pH, OM, EC and macronutrient

concentration as a result of SMS, VC, and CaMC amendment. Application of SMS,

VC, and CaMC also showed that it is very useful in honeydew melon production.

However, the rates of 0.2 kg SMS + 1.5 kg VC/pot (EC = 1.68dS m-1

)in the first

season and 0.2 kg SMS + 1.0 kg VC + 1.0 kgCaMC/pot (EC = 1.87 dS m-1

) in the

second season were the most sufficient for higher productivity of honeydew melon

in organic agriculture.

Key words: organic agriculture, spent mushroom substrate, vermicompost, cattle

manure compost, chicken manure compost, coconut husk, honeydew

melon

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LIST OF ABBREVIATION

CaMC Cattle manure compost

CH Coconut husk

ChMC Chicken manure compost

EC Electrical conductivity

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

LSD Least significant different

OM Organic matter

PLS Partial least squares

S

0 Sulfur

SPAD Special products analysis division

SMS Spent mushroom substrate

TA Titratable acidity

TSS Total soluble solids

VC Vermicompost

WHC Water holding capacity

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Firstly, I would like to thank my advisor, Prof. Dr. Chong- Ho Wang for his

guidance, help and supervision throughout this study. I also would like to thank all

professors in the first evaluation and graduate committees for their suggestions and

comments.

I would like to thank NPUST for the budget support for my Ph.D. program.

I would like to give my gratitude to professors, staffs, and students of NPUST,

OIA, DTAIC, Department of Plant Industry, Organic Agricultural Laboratory for

their help.

Lastly, I would like to thank my family members, my friends for their help

and encouragement.

Taiwan, March 26th, 2016

Nguyen Van Tam

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHINESE ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT......................................................................................................... i

LIST OF ABBREVIATION.................................................................................. iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................... v

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... vi

LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................. xi

LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................. xiv

LIST OF PICTURES ........................................................................................... xx

CHAPTER 1........................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER 2........................................................................................................... 6

LITERATURE REVIEW....................................................................................... 6

2.1 Melon (Cucumismelo L.)................................................................................. 6

2.1.1 Classification................................................................................................. 6

2.1.2 Characteristic................................................................................................. 9

2.1.3 Origin .......................................................................................................... 10

2.1.4 Production ....................................................................................................11

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2.2 Honeydew melon ........................................................................................... 13

2.2.1 Origin .......................................................................................................... 13

2.2.2 Variety ......................................................................................................... 14

2.2.3 Planting ...................................................................................................... 15

2.2.4 Fertilizing .................................................................................................... 16

2.2.5 Watering ..................................................................................................... .16

2.2.6 Harvest ....................................................................................................... 16

2.2.7 Common problems..................................................................................... .17

2.3 Effects of nutrients on melon production....................................................... 17

2.3.1 Effects of organic fertilizer on melon production ....................................... 17

2.3.2 Effects of inorganic fertilizer on melon production.................................... 18

2.4 Organic agriculture production ...................................................................... 22

2.4.1 The definition of organic agriculture .......................................................... 22

2.4.2 Effects of organic materials on the soil....................................................... 22

2.4.2.1 Effects of organic materials on physical properties of the soil ................ 22

2.4.2.2 Effects of organic materials on chemical properties of the soil............... 25

2.4.2.3 Effects of organic materials on biological properties of the soil ............. 28

2.4.3 Studies on using SMS, VC, manure compost, and CH............................... 30

2.4.3.1 Studies on using SMS ............................................................................. 30

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2.4.3.2 Studies on using VC................................................................................ .34

2.4.3.3 Studies on using manure compost............................................................ 37

2.4.3.4 Studies on using coconut husk (CH)........................................................ 39

CHAPTER 3......................................................................................................... 41

MATERIALS AND METHODS ......................................................................... 41

3.1 The experiment setup ..................................................................................... 41

3.1.1 Experiment I: Effects of SMS and VC on the growth and nutrient

uptake of honeydew melon (Cucumismelo L. inodorus) seedlings..................... 41

3.1.2 Experiment II: Use of organic materials as growing media for honeydew

melon (Cucumismelo L. inodorus) seedlings in organic agriculture......................... 42

3.1.3 Experiment III: Effects of organic materials on growth, yield, and fruit

quality of honeydew melon (Cucumismelo L. inodorus) .................................... 44

3.1.4 Experiment IV: Effects of continuously applying organic materials

on soil properties, growth and yield of honeydew melon (CucumismeloL.

inodorus).............................................................................................................. 46

3.1.4.1 The first season (spring 2014).................................................................. 46

3.1.4.2 The second season (summer 2014) .......................................................... 48

3.2 Observations recorded.................................................................................... 49

3.2.1 Stage of seedling production....................................................................... 49

3.2.1.1 Physical and chemical properties of substrate ......................................... 49

3.2.1.2 Morphological growth and nutrient content of seedlings ........................ 50

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3.2.2 Stage of plant production in net house........................................................ 51

3.2.2.1 Soil properties .......................................................................................... 51

3.2.2.2 Morphological growth, yield, and quality of honeydew.......................... 52

3.3 Statistical analysis.......................................................................................... 53

CHAPTER 4......................................................................................................... 54

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION........................................................................... 54

4.1 Effects of SMS and VC on the growth and nutrient uptake of honeydew

melon (Cucumismelo L. inodorus) seedlings ...................................................... 54

4.1.1 Physical and chemical properties of growing media .................................. 54

4.1.2 Nutrient concentration of the growing media ............................................ .61

4.1.3 Morphological growth of honeydew melon seedlings................................ 63

4.1.4 Nutritional status of honeydew melon seedlings ........................................ 71

4.1.5 Conclusion for experiment 1....................................................................... 80

4.2 Use of organic materials as growing media for honeydew melon

seedlings in organic agriculture ........................................................................... 82

4.2.1 Physical and chemical properties of the growing media ............................ 82

4.2.2 Nutrient concentration of the growing media ............................................. 85

4.2.3 Morphological growth of honeydew melon seedlings................................ 87

4.2.4 Nutritional status of honeydew melon seedlings ........................................ 94

4.2.5 Conclusion for experiment 2....................................................................... 99

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4.3 Effects of organic materials and seedlings on growth, yield, and fruit

quality of honeydew melon................................................................................ 101

4.3.1 Physical and chemical properties of soils 30 days after applying ........... 101

4.3.2 Vegetative growth of honeydew melon.................................................... .103

4.3.3 Nutrient concentrations in the shoots of honeydew melon....................... 104

4.3.4 Yield and some related parameters ........................................................... 107

4.3.5 Fruit quality............................................................................................... 105

4.3.6 Conclusion for experiment 3..................................................................... 109

4.4 Effects of continuous application of organic materials on soil properties,

growth and yield of honeydew melon (CucumismeloL. inodorus) ........................112

4.4.1 Effects of organic materials on pH, EC, and OM of the soil .....................112

4.4.2 Effects of organic materials on macronutrient content in the soil .............118

4.4.3 Effects of organic materials on plant growth parameters ........................ .122

4.4.4 Effects of organic materials on nutrient concentrations in the shoots of

honeydew melon at flowering stage…............................................................... 128

4.4.5 Effects of organic materials on some yield parameters ........................... .134

4.4.6 Conclusion for experiment 4..................................................................... 140

CHAPTER 5....................................................................................................... 144

GENERAL CONCLUSION. ............................................................................. 144

REFERENCES................................................................................................... 147

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF AUTHOR...................................................... 176

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Melon production in leading countries and the world (2005-

2012)..................................................................................... 11

Table 2. Physical and chemical properties of VC and SMS used in

the experiment..................................................................... 44

Table 3. Composition of the growing media used in the experiment 45

Table 4. Physical and chemical properties of SMS, VC, CaMC, and CH

in the experiment.................................................................. 46

Table 5. Composition of the growing media used in the experiment 47

Table 6. Physical and chemical properties of the soil in the net house

before planting...................................................................... 47

Table 7. Properties of SMS and ChMC used in the experiment ........ 48

Table 8. Some parameters of seedlings for transplanting .................. 49

Table 9. Physical and chemical properties of VC and SMS used in

the experiment ................................................................50

Table 10. Composition and amount of organic materials in each

treatment ..........................................................................51

Table 11. Composition and amount of organic materials in each

treatment................................................................................ 52

Table 12. Physical and chemical properties of the growing media...... 58

Table 13. Macronutrient concentrations of the growing media extracted

with 0.1N HCl ...................................................................... 61

Table 14. Micronutrient concentrations of the growing media extracted

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with 0.1N HCl ...................................................................... 63

Table 15. Effects of the growing media on the morphological growth of

honeydew melon seedlings 4 weeks after sowing................ 67

Table 16. Effects of the growing media on the morphological growth of

honeydew melon seedlings 4 weeks after sowing................ 70

Table 17. Effects of the growing media on the macronutrient contents of

honeydew melon seedling after sowing 4 weeks................. 74

Table 18. Effects of the growing media on micronutrient contents of

honeydew melon seedling after sowing 4 weeks................. 79

Table 19. Physical and chemical properties of the growing media...... 83

Table 20. Macro and micronutrient concentrations of the growing media

extracted with 0.1N HCl....................................................... 86

Table 21. Macro and micronutrient concentrations of the growing media

extracted with 0.1N HCl....................................................... 88

Table 22. Effects of the growing media on the morphological growth of

honeydew melon seedlings 4 weeks after sowing… ........... 91

Table 23. Effects of the growing media on the morphological growth of

honeydew melon seedlings 4 weeks after sowing................ 93

Table 24. Effects of the growing media on the macronutrient contents of

honeydew melon seedlings after sowing 4 weeks................ 98

Table 25. Effects of the growing media on the micronutrient contents of

honeydew melon seedling after sowing 4 weeks............... 100

Table 26. Effects of organic materials on the soil properties (30 days

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after applying) .................................................................... 106

Table 27. Effects of organic materials on vegetative growth of honeydew

melon (30 days after transplanting).................................... 108

Table 28. Effects of organic materials on the macronutrient

concentrations in the shoots of honeydew melon at the

flowering stage ................................................................... 109

Table 29. Effects of organic materials on the micronutrient

concentrations in the shoots of honeydew melon at the

flowering stage ................................................................... 110

Table 30. Effects of organic materials on some parameters of honeydew

melon yield......................................................................... 111

Table 31. Effects of organic materials on some parameters............... 113

Table 32. Effects of different organic materials on available N, P, and K

content in the soil at two weeks after applying and at the

flowering stage ................................................................... 125

Table 33. Effects of different organic materials on available Ca and Mg

content in the soil at two weeks after applying ................ 126

Table 34. Effects of different organic materials on some vegetative growth

parameters of honeydew melon (4 weeks after planting)....... 130

Table 35. Effects of different organic materials on macronutrient

concentrations of melon shoot at flowering stage.............. 135

Table 36. Effects of different organic materials on micronutrient

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concentrations of the shoots at flowering stage ................. 138

Table 37. Effects of different organic materials on some parameters of

honeydew melon yield ....................................................... 141