Effect of Saline Concentrations in Melon under Different Substrates in Hydroponic System

Abstract

The results show that the culture of the melon in hydroponic medium using different substrates, and increasing concentration of NaCl- salts, indicated that when the electrical conductivity (EC) levels increases as 2.0; 5.0; 8.0 and 11.0 dS.m-1, the melon growth was higher by 2.88 cm per day, with EC of 2 Sm-1. Thereafter, decreases the growth rate of melon as 2.33, 1.77 and 1.23 cm per day, when EC's goes from 5, 8 and 11 dS.m-1, respectively. In addition, the substrates sand, coconut powder and the commercial substrate (Basaplant) or salts-substrates, had no-effect on melon growth. The EC of 2 d.Sm-1 presented a higher growth rate, with a mean growth of 2.88 cm per day, the EC's of 5, 8 and 11 dS.m-1, respectively presented a growth rate of 2.33; 1.77 and 1.23 cm per day. The increase in salt concentration in the solution negatively influenced the morphology and color of the melon leaves. The substrates washed sand, coconut powder and Basaplant presented no significant difference in the effects on the melon culture. The substrate type did not influence the effect of the salt on the melon.