Effect of Silicon-Containing Fertilizers on the Resistance of Melon Crops to Abiotic Stress under Increasing Climatic Aridity in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to present the results of field research aimed at developing an adaptive cultivation technology for melon crops using silicon-containing fertilizers under arid climate conditions. Methods. The research was conducted under field conditions in the southern Steppe of Ukraine according to standard methodologies for melon crop experimentation. Measured parameters included growth, leaf area, productivity, soil nutrient content, water consumption, and economic and bioenergetic efficiency. Standard biometric, gravimetric, and statistical analysis methods were used. Results. Silicon-containing fertilizers, especially under complex application, enhanced plant growth, leaf area development, and stress resistance. Compared to the recommended mineral fertilization alone, complex silicon application increased leaf area by 10.1–11.5 % across all crops and improved water-use efficiency. In watermelon, the highest yield (21.9 t/ha) was obtained with complex silicon use, which exceeded the base level by 15.9 %. Similar trends were observed in melon (13.6 t/ha, +15.2 %) and pumpkin (21.5 t/ha, +14.4 %). Water consumption coefficients decreased by 7–32 % depending on crop and treatment. Economically, the best results were achieved with complex application of silicon fertilizers, which led to a conditional net profit increase of 8917–10 162 UAH/ha for watermelon and melon, respectively, and profitability levels up to 103 %. Bioenergetic efficiency increased by 5–13 % with the use of silicon-based fertilization. Conclusions. The implementation of an adaptive melon crop cultivation technology that includes complex application of silicon-containing fertilizers under the background of recommended mineral fertilization significantly improves plant productivity, water-use efficiency, and economic and bioenergetic indicators. These practices are recommended for enhancing the sustainability of melon crop production in dryland regions of southern Ukraine.
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