Effect of Organic Manures on Biomass, Yield, and Quality of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Raised on a Heavy Soil

Soil erosion and pollution on farmlands are the major issues in the field of agriculture. Farmers have accepted organic farming as a healthy alternative and it is the fastest growing sector in the field of agriculture around the globe. As a part of the ongoing conservation research program, over one hundred varieties of Melons (Cucumis melo L.) from around the globe have been analyzed for their quality and adaptability. Selected two varieties of high quality melons, Pride of Wisconsin and Charentais (French variety), were raised on Memphis silt loam soil (Typic Hapludalf, silty, mixed, thermic) in southwest region of Mississippi. These melons received nutrients from three treatments of composted organic manures (cow-C; poultry-P; cow and poultry-C+P) in a split-plot design. The parameters evaluated were leaf area index (LAI), percent canopy cover, stem diameter, dry biomass, quality, and yield. There was no significant difference in leaf area index ( LAI), and percent canopy cover. While the yield, stem diameter, flesh thickness, and rind pressure were significantly high for Pride of Wisconsin, dry biomass, degree brix, and number of fruits per hectare were significantly high for Charentais on all three treatments of manures. Cow manure results showed melons with highest Vitamin C followed by Poultry and least in Cow+poultry, but vitamin C levels of melons under three organic treatments were not significantly different. Since both these varieties of melons respond well to these organic manures and are highly adapted to this region, we strongly recommend these manures and varieties for commercial production.