Watermelon Yield Evaluation of Hi-Cote Fertilizer in Vietnam

 

 

• Experiment design: Dr. Kwon Oh Yeon, Chief Research Officer at Nousbo, Ph.D.
• Organization of the performance: National Center For Fertilizer Testing, Hanoi, Vietnam
• Address: No. 65 Sa Doi Street, Phu Do Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
• Field location: Binh Xuyen Hi-tech Agriculture and Forestry Co., Ltd., Xuan Quang, Gia Khanh town, Binh Xuyen district, Vinh Phuc province
• Demonstration crop variety: Watermelon Black Beauty Super 389
• Date of experiment:  March 2024 – June 2024

 

Currently, watermelons cover approximately 3.5 million hectares worldwide, with major production areas in countries like China, Turkey, Iran, and Vietnam. In Vietnam, watermelons are a crucial crop, especially in the Mekong Delta region, contributing significantly to the local economy. Among the key fertilizer elements, nitrogen (N) is particularly essential. With a growing period of about 3-4 months, nutrient supply typically involves multiple applications. However, the residual effect of chemical fertilizers lasts only about 30 to 40 days, posing a risk of reduced growth due to inadequate nitrogen content. Therefore, the application of Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF) is necessary to supply all required nutrients throughout the entire plant growth period.

 

The Hi-Cote Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) [23-6-12] was tested in Vietnam to evaluate its effect on watermelon yield and compare its performance to conventional fertilizers. The test lasted from March 28 to June 10, 2024. Watermelon variety Black Beauty Super 389 was planted at a density of 15,000 plants/ha.

 

Fertilization process

 

Three treatments were tested:

• CT1: Control with no fertilizer applied
• CT2: Local farming methods (“G” organic-mineral fertilizer): 2,500 kg/ha
• CT3: Hi-Cote Controlled Release Fertilizer: 225 kg/ha (N: 51.75 kg/ha, P₂O₅: 13.5 kg/ha, K₂O: 27 kg/ha).

Fertilizer was applied in the cavity, then covered with a thin layer of soil and plastic film before sowing seeds, with the cavity 60 cm apart.

 

 

Fertilizer application methods and rates

 

 

The tests were performed on a small-scale (300m²) trial and a large-scale (750m²) trial. The following growth parameters were evaluated: growth and development, crop yield, fruit size, and fruit sweetness.

 

Fertilization process

 

 

Through the small and large-scale trials, Hi-Cote 23-6-12 fertilizer (application rate 225 kg/ha) in Gia Khanh town, Binh Xuyen district, Vinh Phuc province yielded higher results compared to the local fertilizer. Specifically:

 

• Small-scale trial: CRF treated area showed an actual yield of 27,540 kg/ha, 10.29% higher than the local fertilizer formula.
• Large-scale trial: Actual yield was 27,188 kg/ha, 12.61% higher than the local fertilizer formula.

 

Yielded fruits (CT3 - Hi-Cote CRF treatment ; CT2 - Local farming methods with conventional fertilizer treatment ; CT1 - Control)

 

 

The average fruit diameter, weight, and sweetness were higher in the Hi-Cote treated area compared to the local fertilizer formula:

 

• Average fruit diameter: 16.2 cm
• Average fruit weight: 3.2 kg
• Average sweetness: 14.3 Brix

 

 

Yield and growth parameters of Watermelon affected by various treatments in Vietnam

 

 

The results of the small and large-scale demonstrations showed that Hi-Cote 23-6-12 fertilizer increased actual yield by 10% compared to the local fertilizer, with improved average fruit diameter, weight, and sweetness. Additionally, the color and flesh quality of the fruits were superior. Thus, Hi-Cote fertilizer is highly effective for watermelon cultivation and agricultural production in general. To enhance yield, fruit size, sweetness, and color of watermelons, it is recommended to use Hi-Cote 23-6-12 fertilizer in watermelon production.

 

 

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