Yield increased by 33% in the Polysulphate plot compared to the farmer's usual fertilizer treatment plot
Location
Kahang, Johor, Malaysia.
Objective
To demonstrate the effectiveness of Granular Polysulphate to improve the growth and yield of watermelon grown on a sandy loam soil in Malaysia.
Treatments
This demonstration consisted of two treatments. One was farmers’ practice of 400 kg/ha of NPK compound fertilizer (12-12-17 +2MgO) and 200 kg/ha of 16-16-16 +2MgO. The other treatment was farmers’ practice + 100 kg/ha of granular Polysulphate. In both treatments fertilizers were applied as top dressing on the planting bed before transplanting.
Results
- During early growth, minimum mortality and root fungus infection was observed in the Polysulphate treatment. Young shoots appeared stronger and greener.
- Vegetative growth in the Polysulphate treatment showed bigger shoots and leaves, covering all the soil.
- Yield increased by 33% in the Polysulphate plot compared to the farmer's usual fertilizer treatment plot. Bigger fruits were also observed with Polysulphate application.
Farmer's practice
With Polysulphate