Small watermelons are widely popular due to their superior quality and compact size, typically weighing between 1-3 kg. However, traditional open-field cultivation is highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as cold snaps in early spring, heavy rains, typhoons in summer, and cold waves in autumn, which can lead to low yields and inefficiency. To address these challenges, from 1999 to 2000, Yangxi Township in Meilie District, Sanming City, under the guidance of Director Liu Shizhe from the Soilless Cultivation Research Center at South China Agricultural University, introduced plastic greenhouses for growing small watermelons during spring and autumn. This approach yielded impressive results, leading to the development of a comprehensive set of techniques and practices.
The greenhouse structure consists of a 6.5m x 30m galvanized steel arch with four vertical supports and a height of 3.2 meters, with a shoulder height of 2.0 meters. A transparent plastic film covers the top, while insect nets are installed in summer and autumn for ventilation, and insulation film is used in winter. Inside, four horizontal planting troughs are arranged, each measuring 14.25m in length and 1m in width, with 50cm-wide working channels on both ends and along the center. The troughs are built using three layers of bricks, stacked flat and about 18cm high, with a layer of 0.2mm thick plastic film to prevent nutrient solution leakage before filling with coarse river sand (1.5–4mm grain size, over 80% fine sand).
A liquid supply system was also established, including a 2m³ cement reservoir for storing nutrient solution and irrigation water. Drip irrigation devices were installed with observation ports to monitor liquid flow, and a self-priming pump with a 100-mesh filter ensured smooth distribution through PE pipes (φ25mm main lines, φ15mm capillaries, φ2.5mm drippers). Nutrient solutions were carefully formulated with calcium nitrate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and other essential elements, tailored to meet the plant’s needs throughout the growth cycle.
For successful cultivation, suitable varieties were selected based on early maturity, disease resistance, and good fruit setting. Seedlings were prepared using a mix of fine sand and mushroom compost, enriched with fertilizers and sterilized with formalin. Seeds were soaked and germinated using a warm, moist method, then transplanted into seedling bags or plugs. Once the plants had 2–3 true leaves, they were moved to the planting troughs, spaced 50cm apart, and carefully watered to encourage root establishment.
This innovative approach not only improved yield and quality but also allowed for year-round production, making small watermelon cultivation more efficient and resilient against environmental fluctuations.
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