Jun Kyu Suh

Determination of NPK Concentration in Fertigation Solution for Production of Greenhouse Oriental Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Using Response Surface Methodology

Fertigation with drip irrigation provides effective and cost-efficient way to supply both nutrient and water to crop. However, inappropriate management of fertigation systems may cause inefficient nutrient and water use, thereby diminishing expected yield benefits as well as contributing to deterioration of soil properties. In this study, greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate the optimal concentration of N, P and K fertigation solution for maximum production of oriental melon (Cucumis melo L.) using a response surface methodology, to evaluate an efficiency of nutrients uptake and an effect on soil chemical properties. Canonical analysis of response surface and contour plot interpretation revealed that of nitrogen (N), of phosphorous (P) and of potassium (K) resulted in maximim yield of oriental melon (). Compared to conventional practice, fertigation increased fruit yield up to 23.0% (p