Effect of oxygen supply on water uptake in a melon crop under Soilless culture

Soilless culture permits more control on fertigation parameters, especially in arid and semi arid zones with saline water irrigation. The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of potassium peroxide as an oxygen generator on water consumption, yield and quality of a melon (Cucumis melo L) crop. The work was carried out in a polycarbonate greenhouse in the Azapa valley, extreme north of Chile. Root oxygenation was provided by potassium peroxide. Two treatments were carried out: standard dissolution without (T0) or with (T1) oxygen supply. The latter was applied once a week, at the last irrigation of the day. Fertirrigation parameters, yield and fruit quality were measured. The results indicate that applying potassium peroxide, used as an oxygen supply, stimulates water consumption and improves significantly the water efficiency in melon in a soilless culture system irrigated with saline water.