| dc.description.abstract | An experiment was conducted in the Botswana College of Agriculture, Notwane farm in
Gaborone North to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield, yield
components and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus thumb var. Crimson Sweet). Five
levels of nitrogen (0,50, 100, 150 and 200) and four levels of phosphorus (0,25,50 and 75)
were laid in a split-plot design with five replications. There was no interaction between nitrogen
and phosphorus fertilizer applications on all the dependent variables determined. Application of
nitrogen at 50, 100 and 150 N kg/h increased vegetative growth, fruit yield, yield components
and fruit quality. Application of N beyond 150 kg/ha decreased all the above dependent
variables. Phosphorus application at 25 and 50 kg/ha increased vegetative growth, yield and
yield components of watermelons. The positive response of watermelon plants to N and P was
attributed to the role of N and P on growth, development, and efficient utilization of
carbohydrates to form protoplasm and more cells, and the increase in dry matter, It was
concluded that in order to optimize watermelon fruit yield and quantity, N and P should be applied
at 150 and 50 kg/ha, respectively. The author recommends that for wider application of these
fertilizer rates in Botswana N and P trials be undertaken in various parts of the country under
different soil types, irrigation regimes and rain-fed agriculture to confirm the current findings. | en_US |
