PERFORMANCE TEST OF PRESSURE COMPENSATING JET (PCJ) EMITTER ON GROWTH OF MELON (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a horticultural commodity with high economic value. However, production has decreased due to lack of water and nutrients.This research aims to test the performance of PCJ emitters on melon growth in a substrate hydroponic system. This research used a factorial split plot with three replications and three segments by testing three types of emitters, namely PCJ 2 l/hour brand A (P1), PCJ 2 l/hour brand B (P2), and dripstick. The plant growth parameters observed included plant height, petiole length, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf length. Based on the discharge test results, the average discharge values at P1, P2, and P3 are 3.25 l/hour, 1.65 l/hour, and 4.06 l/hour, respectively. The level of uniformity of watering or dripping for each emitter is included in the very good category. Treatments P1, P2, and P3 did not show significant differences in the growth of melon plants in the early vegetative phase. However, at 25 and 28 days after planting (DAP), differences in the performance of the two emitters became apparent in petiole length and leaf number, due to increased water and nutrient requirements and efficient water distribution. Based on these results, we can conclude that the PCJ 2 l/hour brand B emitter provides the best level of efficiency and effectiveness