The Effect of Organic Mulch and NPK Fertilizer Dosage on the Growth and Production of Melon Plants (Cucumis melo L)

Abstract

Abstract: Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a fruit containing 0.6 g of protein, 0.4 mg of iron, 30 mg of vitamin C, 0.4 g of fiber and 6.0 g of carbohydrates. Melon production in Indonesia reached 129,147 tons in 2021. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of straw mulch and NPK fertilizer doses on the growth and production of melon plants and to obtain one treatment with the best results. This study was conducted in Oelnasi village, NTT in November 2023-January 2024. The design used was a Randomized Block Design (RAK). factorial pattern, factor 1: Organic mulch (MO) consists of 2 treatment levels MO1 = without organic mulch; MO2 = using organic mulch; Factor 2: NPK fertilizer (P) consists of 4 treatment levels PO = without NPK fertilizer (without contol); P1 = NPK fertilizer dose of 75 gr per plant, P2 = NPK fertilizer dose of 100 gr per plant, P3 = NPK fertilizer dose of gr per plant. The results of the study showed that the treatment of straw mulch use and NPK fertilizer dose had a very significant effect on the growth and production of melon plants (Cucumis Melo L), straw mulch treatment and NPK fertilizer administration with a dose of 125 gr per plant (MO2T3) gave the best results for melon plant yields.