Abstract

SILVA, Michelangelo de O. et al. Cantaloupe growth and accumulation of nutrients in the plant under saline water irrigation. Rev. bras. eng. agríc. ambient. [online]. 2008, vol.12, n.6, pp. 593-605. ISSN 1807-1929.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-43662008000600005.

This study was conducted in a greenhouse at the Environmental Sciences Department of the Federal Rural University for the Semi-Árid. Four soil types, traditionally used for cantaloupe production in the Mossoró Region, were used and irrigated with solutions corresponding to eight electrical conductivities (EC = 100; 250; 500; 750; 1,250; 1,750; 2,250 and 3,000 µS cm^-1) and two sodium adsorption ratios [SAR = 4 and 12 (mmol L^-1)^1/2], combined as salinity treatments. The experiment was a factorial arrangement of 4 x 8 x 2 (four soils, eight EC and two SAR), with three replicates, and 192 experimental units, in a randomized block design. Plant characteristics (fresh and dry matter production and mineral composition) were evaluated. Fresh and dry cantaloupe production was reduced with increased water salinity in two successive crops, leading to plant death a few days after transplanting in the second cycle. Increased water salinity elevated Ca, Mg, Na, K and Cl accumulation in the plants. Saline water use increased salinity and sodicity of all studied soils, diminishing cantaloupe growth.

Keywords : salinity; SAR; Cucumis melo L.