Method of nitrogen application for muskmelons¹

Abstract

Muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.) were transplanted through clear plastic mulch on May 22, 1981, with 45, 90, 135, or 180 kg N/ha applied either preplant broadcast incorporated or injected through the trickle system. Seventy percent of the N rate was injected by flowering (June 23) and the remaining 30% from June 23 to July 27, just prior to first harvest. Muskmelon petiole NO 3 -N concentration increased linearly with increasing N rates on all sampling dates for both application treatments. Trickle injected N resulted in a significantly higher plant N0 3 -N petiole concentration on June 22. Later in the season, July 13 and August 3, there were no petiole NO 3 -N concentration differences between the application methods. Marketable early and total yields were not affected by the N rate or application method; but 265