PENGARUH DOSIS DAN FREKUENSI WAKTU PEMUPUKAN KCL TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN MELON (CUCUMIS MELO L.) PADA SISTEM IRIGASI TETES

This reseach was conducted to determine the effects of doses and frequency of KCl fertilization time on the growth and yield of melons (Cucumis melo L.) on drip irrigation system. The study used golden alisha variety of melon seeds. This study used a factorial randomized block design with 2 factors. The first factor was fertilization time interval (W) with 3 levels, W1 = Fertilizing once a week to 6 MST, W2 = Fertilizing once a week to 7 MST, W3 = Fertilizing once a week to 8 MST. The second factor is the dose of KCl (K) fertilizer with 3 levels, K1 = 100 kg K2O ha-1, K2 = 150 kg K2O ha-1, K3 = 200 kg K2O ha-1. The parameters observed were plant length, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, stem diameter, wet weight and dry stover weight. The results of the study did not significantly affect plant growth variables, namely plant length, number of leaves, number of branches, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, stem diameter. The application of 200 kg K2O ha-1 and fertilization time once a week to 7 weeks after planting was the best treatment, indicated by the number of leaves and leaf chlorophyll content was higher. Whereas at the application of 200 kg K2O ha-1 and fertilization time once a week to 8 weeks after planting was the best treatment for melon fruit wight yield. Keywords: Drip Irrigation, Fertilization, KCl, Melon.