A Study on a Simple Passive Hydroponic System for Melon Production.

Abstract

Melon plants were grown from spring to summer (crop 1) and summer to autumn (crop 2) by a passive hydroponic system which was laid below the ground surface, so that plants can be grown and harvested without management of the nutrient solution. The effects of the initial concentration of nutrient solution on the growth of plants, yield and quality of fruits, and absorption of water and minerals were investigated while using this system. The concentrations of the nutrient solution had varied effects on plant growth and fruit yield of melon, depending on the growing season. The marketable fruits were harvested from plants grown in the higher concentration plots in crop 1 and in all plots in crop 2. The temperature of the root zone was relatively low and fluctuated little even in the summer (crop 1), because the growing system, that is, solution reservoir was laid below the ground surface. Thus, it was concluded that this passive hydroponic system may be an useful and practical production technique for melons. However, more trails need to be conducted to adjust the nutrient solution for practical use.