Water footprint of melon production under different nutrient and plant growth regulator management

Fadil Rohman; Leli Kurniasari; Maria Azizah; Refa Firgiyanto; M Zayin  Sukri; Hanif Fatur Rohman; Didik Pudji Restanto; Etik Wukir Tini

doi:10.24831/jai.v52i3.60461

Fadil Rohman Department of Agricultural Production, State Polytechnic of Jember, Jl. Mastrip PO Box 164, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
Leli Kurniasari Department of Agricultural Production, State Polytechnic of Jember, Jl. Mastrip PO Box 164, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
Maria Azizah Department of Agricultural Production, State Polytechnic of Jember, Jl. Mastrip PO Box 164, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
Refa Firgiyanto Department of Agricultural Production, State Polytechnic of Jember, Jl. Mastrip PO Box 164, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
M Zayin Sukri Department of Agricultural Production, State Polytechnic of Jember, Jl. Mastrip PO Box 164, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
Hanif Fatur Rohman Department of Agricultural Production, State Polytechnic of Jember, Jl. Mastrip PO Box 164, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
Didik Pudji Restanto Department of Agriculture, University of Jember, Jl. Kalimantan No. 37, Bumi Tegalboto Campus, Jember 68121, INDONESIA
Etik Wukir Tini Department of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University, Jl. Prof. HR Boenyamin No.708, Banyumas 53122, INDONESIA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24831/jai.v52i3.60461

Abstract

Applying environmentally friendly technology in melon cultivation aims to create sustainable agriculture. Nutrient and plant growth regulators management are simple to apply and have a relatively rapid effect on melon fruit production. Water footprint assessment in melon cultivation is crucial for ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water use. This study aimed to evaluate the electroconductivity of nutrient solutions and GA₃ concentration in increasing fruit production and water footprint efficiency. This research was conducted from June to September 2022 at Tefa SGH Polije. This research used a completely randomized design with treatments that consisted of nine combinations of nutrient solution electrical conductivities (2.8, 3.2, and 3.6 mS cm^-1) and GA₃ concentrations (0, 60, and 120 mg L^-1). Observation variables were fruit diameter, edible part thickness, fruit sweetness level, fruit weight, and water footprint. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and DMRT. Applying 2.8 mS cm^-1 nutrient solution (NS) + 60 mg L^-1 GA₃ was the best treatment according to fruit diameter, edible part thickness, and fruit sweetness level. Although statistically, it had no significant effect, 2.8 mS cm^-1 NS + 60 mg L^-1 GA₃ increased fruit weight by 18.75% and water footprint efficiency by 15.48% compared to control.

Keywords: blue water footprint; evapotranspiration; gibberellins; nutrient solution