Effect of Combination of Cow Manure and Grass Organic Matter on Growth and Yield of Honey Melon (Cucumis melo L.) in Ancient Planting Method

Abstract

The addition of organic fertilizer is an important strategy in increasing melon crop production. This study aimed to identify the effect and optimal dose of combined application of cow manure and grass organic matter on the growth and yield of honey melon (Cucumis melo L.). The research was conducted from March to July 2023 using a Randomized Block Design combination pattern consisting of 16 treatments, namely cow manure with 4 levels (PK: 0, 10, 15, and 20 tons/ha) and grass organic matter with 4 levels (BO: 0, 10, 15, and 20 tons/ha). The parameters observed in this study were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, plant growth rate, fruit weight per plant, and fruit weight per plot. The data generated were then analyzed using ANOVA, Scott Knott's at the 5% level, and Product Moment correlation. The research results showed that the combination of cow manure and grass organic material significantly affected the growth components of melon plants, namely the number of leaves, leaf area, and LPT. The treatment composition of 20 tons/ha of cow manure and 0 tons/ha of grass organic material had the best effect on fruit weight per plot of 4.16 kg, equivalent to 6.93 tons/ha. There was a correlation between growth components and melon weight per plot except for the leaf area component at 35 HST.