Watermelon Planting Harvest Manual

1: Soil Preparation and Base Fertilization

1.1: Soil Requirements and Conditioning
Watermelons thrive in well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.0–6.8. Soil compaction and nutrient deficiencies are major grower concerns. To address this:

• Conduct soil tests pre-planting to assess NPK levels and organic matter.

• Amend soils with Slow-Release Organic Fertilizer (2 tons/ha) to improve soil structure and water retention. Alternatively, use our Compost Activator to decompose local organic waste efficiently, reducing transportation costs.

1.2: Base Fertilization Techniques
For initial growth, apply a balanced NPK blend with micronutrients:

• Use NPK 10-40-10+TE Water-Soluble Fertilizer (250 kg/ha) during bed preparation to promote root development and phosphorus uptake.

• Incorporate Potassium Humate Granules (100 kg/ha) to enhance nutrient availability and soil microbial activity.

2: Nutrient Management During Growth Stages

2.1: Vegetative Stage (0–30 Days)

• Apply Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer 420-0-0 (5 L/ha diluted 1:100) for vigorous vine growth. Avoid overapplication to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of fruiting.

• Supplement with Amino Acid Trace Elements Liquid Fertilizer (3 L/ha) to improve stress resistance and chlorophyll synthesis.

2.2: Flowering and Fruit Set (30–50 Days)

• Switch to high-phosphorus and potassium formulas: NPK 10-5-45+TE (200 kg/ha) supports flower formation and sugar accumulation.

• Foliar spray MKP (Mono Potassium Phosphate, 2 kg/ha) to boost pollination and fruit retention.

2.3: Fruit Development (50–70 Days)

• Use Calcium-Magnesium-Fish Protein Liquid Fertilizer (5 L/ha) to prevent blossom-end rot and improve fruit firmness.

• Apply NPK 21-21-21+TE (150 kg/ha) for balanced micronutrient supply.

3: Addressing Common Pain Points and Solutions

3.1: Low Yield and Poor Sugar Content

• Cause: Imbalanced potassium and boron deficiency.

• Solution: Side-dress NPK 10-5-45+TE (300 kg/ha) at fruit swelling stage. Data show a 20% yield increase and 15% higher Brix levels (Source: European Journal of Agronomy, 2024).

3.2: Soil-Borne Diseases and Nematodes

• Cause: Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.).

• Solution: Integrate Anti-Cropping Microbial Agent (5 L/ha) into irrigation to suppress pathogens. For severe cases, apply Inhibit Root Knot Nematode Microbial Agent (3 L/ha).

3.3: Water Stress and Nutrient Leaching

• Cause: Sandy soils and inefficient irrigation.

• Solution: Use Humic Acid Liquid Fertilizer (4 L/ha) with drip irrigation to enhance water retention by 30% (Source: Agricultural Water Management, 2023).

4: Advanced Techniques for High-Density Cultivation

4.1: Drip Fertigation and Hydroponics

• For hydroponic systems, use Hydroponic Nutrients with NPK 18-18-18+TE (500 ppm in nutrient solution) to deliver precise nutrition.

• In drip systems, inject Amino Acid Liquid Fertilizer (2 L/ha monthly) to prevent clogging and improve nutrient absorption.

4.2: Organic and Sustainable Production

• Replace chemical fertilizers with Bio-Organic Fertilizer (3 tons/ha) to maintain soil health. For nematode control, apply Microbial Agent Rooting Type (5 L/ha) to enhance root immunity.

5: Harvest and Post-Harvest Management

5.1: Determining Harvest Readiness

• Monitor tendril drying and fruit ground spot yellowing. Use refractometers to ensure Brix >10%.

• Pre-harvest, apply Seaweed Extract with Potassium (2 L/ha) to improve shelf life.

5.2: Storage and Disease Prevention

• Avoid bruising during harvest. Treat fruits with Mineral Source Potassium Fulvic Acid (1:200 dilution) to reduce post-harvest rot.

6: Conclusion

Success in watermelon cultivation hinges on science-based nutrient management, proactive pest control, and adaptive irrigation practices. By integrating specialized fertilizers like NPK water-soluble blends, amino acid-based liquids, and microbial agents, farmers can achieve yields exceeding 80 tons/ha while minimizing environmental impact. For tailored solutions, explore our fertilizer wholesale factory products designed for modern agriculture.

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Authoritative References

1. USDA Agricultural Research Service: https://www.ars.usda.gov/

2. Agriculture Victoria: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/

3. Journal of Cleaner Production: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-cleaner-production

4. European Agriculture and Rural Development: https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/

5. Agricultural Innovation Portal: https://aims.fao.org/agricultural-innovation-portal