| Popis: |
Preliminary field experiments were conducted to examine the influences of lime (CaCO3) rate (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 t ha-1 ) on the production of canary melon (Cucumis melo L. var. Inodorus) on acidic soil of Calabar, Nigeria. Canary melon production is presently limited to the northern part of Nigeria. The southern part of Nigeria has the potential to support its production, but for low soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The initial soil pH (1:2.5 H2O), 4.13, was improved to 4.69 (1 t ha-1 ) – 5.93 (5 t ha-1 ). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in soil pH increase after 2 t ha-1 of CaCO3. Liming significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased available P, total N, Ca2+ , Mg2+ , K+ , effective cation exchange capacity, and base saturation of the soil, but reduced exchangeable acidity. Increased lime rates increased (p ≤ 0.05) seedling emergence, leaf (area, area index), vine (length and thickness), and fruit and seed yields. However, fruits sweetness was inconsistent. CaCO3 had significant (p ≤ 0.001) linear relationships and correlations with growth and yield traits of canary melon. Canary melon can be cultivated in Calabar with an application of 2 – 5 t ha-1 of CaCO3. |
