Response of muskmelon to drip irrigation water inside a plastic greenhouse

Soil water plays an important role in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) production, especially inside greenhouse. The object of this study was to determine the soil water content at which growth and yield production of muskmelon would be optimal based on Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) inside a plastic greenhouse when using drip irrigation. Four soil water content thresholds (relative to the percentage of field water capacity) for starting the irrigation (45%-I45, 55%-I55, 65%-I65, 75%-I75) were compared in field experiment in 2009. Amount of applied irrigation water for each treatment varied from 120.1 to 178.6 mm. The results showed that muskmelon plant development and fruit production were significantly affected under different irrigation water amounts. Higher soil water content enhanced vegetative growth through increasing the plant height and stem diameter. Variation in soil water content not only had effects on fruit size, but also on fruit yield. The highest fruit yield and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) were obtained from the treatment employing the greatest irrigation thresholds and quantity of irrigation (I75). Monitoring of soil water content is recommended as the basis for irrigation. In addition, under controlled environmental conditions, muskmelons can be irrigated using TDR instrument that is a guideline.