Lime and Nitrogen Influence Soil Acidity, Nutritional Status, Vegetative Growth, and Yield of Muskmelon

Abstract

A field study was conducted on an acidic loamy sand to evaluate muskmelon ( Cucumis melo L. cv. Classic) response to calcitic limestone and 0, 67, and 100 kg N/ha. Lime application increased soil pH and Ca concentration and lowered soil NH 4 -N and Mn concentrations. Higher levels of N increased soil NH 4 -N, NO 3 -N, and K concentrations and decreased soil pH. Plants developed Mn toxicity symptoms in unlimed plots and the severity of foliar injury increased with increasing N levels. Lime application increased P, Ca, and Mg and reduced Mn and Zn concentrations in leaf tissue. Tissue concentrations of N, Mn, and Zn were higher and Ca, Mg, and B were lower as N level increased from 0 to 100 kg N/ha. Muskmelon fruit yields and soluble solids content were increased and culls reduced both by lime and N. Maximum vegetative growth and total fruit yield were obtained at 67 kg N/ha with lime application.