Effects of Climate Smart Integrated Fertilizers Management on Growth, Yield, Sensory Attributes and Nutritional Contents of Watermelon Varieties in Nsukka, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to determine the effects of climate smart integrated fertilizers management on growth, yield, sensory attributes and nutritional contents of watermelon varieties. Specifically, the study determined percentage germination rate, effects of climate-smart integrated fertilizer levels on vegetative growth, yield, sensory attributes and nutritional contents of three varieties of watermelon. The study adopted mixed methods research design (experimental and descriptive survey). The study adopted split-plot in randomized complete block design experiment. The study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Agricultural Education Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. The field experimental site was marked out and measured69m long ×8.7m wide (600.3m2). The field was divided into three equal blocks of 69m ×3.25m each. The blocks were spaced 0.5m apart and labeled I, II and III. Each block was divided into three Split-plots of 23m ×3.25m each. Within each split-plot, a row of six raised beds of 3.25m ×1.9m spaced 0.5m apart were made. Six climate smart integrated fertilizer treatments were randomly assigned on the six raised beds with three replicates. The six treatments were A, B, C, D, E, and F representing Control, 200kg/ha NPK 15:15:15, 20t/ha goat manure (GM), 150kg/ha NPK + 5t/ha GM, 100kg/ha NPK +10t/ha GM and 50kg/ha NPK + 15t/h GM respectively. Goat manure was applied in all the blocks two weeks before planting while NPK fertilizer was applied two weeks after planting. The population for the study was 25 respondents comprising of 18 Agricultural Education students and 7 sensory evaluation Panelists and 432 stands of three varieties of watermelon comprising 144 stands each of Sugar baby, Koalack and Charleston grey. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 7 sensory evaluation Panelists while the entire 18 agricultural education students were used because of the manageable size. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 216 stands of watermelon consisting of 72 stands for each variety. Measuring tape, vainer caliper, meter rule, weighing scale, nine-point Hedonic scale, laboratory test and Psycho-Productive Multiple Choice Test (PMCT) were the instruments used for data collection. The psycho-productive multiple choice test items were validated by three experts all from the Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Counting method was used in finding out percentage germination, number of leaves, branches, and fruits. Sensory attributes of watermelon were collected using nine-point Hedonic scale, while data on nutritional contents were obtained from the laboratory analysis of watermelon fruits. Psycho-productive multiple choice test (PMCT) was the instrument used in collecting data on the students’ level of skills acquisition. Data on growth and yield parameters were collected at six and eight weeks after planting while data on nutritional and sensory qualities were collected after harvesting. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, bar chart, pie chart, mean and standard deviation while two way analysis of variance was performed on the data collected and significant of means were compared using Least Significant Difference (LSD) (p≤ .05) while t-test was used to test null hypotheses 6. Significant differences were observed among the watermelon varieties in terms of vegetative growth, fruit yield, nutritional contents and sensory properties. The number of leaves and branches, and stem girth was highest in Charleston grey and least in sugar baby while Koalack had the highest length of vine when compared with Sugar baby and Charleston grey. Fruit yield obtained with Sugar Baby was higher than what was obtained from Koalack and Charleston grey. The study revealed that 50kg/ha NPK + 15t/h GM treatment was better for growth, yield, sensory attributes and nutritional contents of watermelon when compared with other treatments. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that sugar baby and Koalack varieties should be planted using 50kg/ha NPK + 15t/ha GM which is climate smart in the study area.