Organic fertilizers for watermelon cultivation in Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil

Abstract

The watermelon is an important agricultural crop for the Piaui State (Brazil), although the recommendations for its cultivation are adapted from other regions or empirically measured. In this way, a study was developed to evaluate the vegetative and reproductive performance of irrigated watermelon in function of organic fertilization sources and doses in Bom Jesus, Brazil. A completely randomized blocks design was used with treatments distributed in a 2x5 factorial scheme, referring to the organic fertilization sources (bovine and goats) and doses (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 L pit^-1) of organic fertilizer, with four repetitions. The organic fertilization, regardless of the source, increased the length and the diameter of the watermelon main stem. The number of fruit per plants obtained after the application of the doses of 10 L pit^-1, regardless of the source, was compatible with the production observed in commercial stands. Both cattle and goat manure, at doses of 10 L pit^-1, can improve the vegetative and reproductive performance of watermelon and, therefore, can be recommended for this crop.