Articles

Preliminary Investigation on Effects of Climate-Smart Integrated Fertilizer Management on Nutrient Composition and Sensory Attributes of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Varieties Grown in Sandy Loam Soil

Ali Christian C.
Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Asogwa Vincent C.
Department of Agricultural Education and Extension, University of Eswatini, Luyengo, Eswatini.
Francis Nwamaka P.
Department of Business Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ukwuaba Ikenna C
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Njoku Ezinne E.
Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Okadi Ojang A.
Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.
Published: September 8, 2026 Issue: Vol. 33 No. 1 (2026) DOI: 10.66731/jher.v33i1.644

Abstract

This study investigated effects of climate-smart integrated fertilizer management (CSA-IFM) on nutritional composition and sensory attributes of three varieties of watermelon grown in sandy loam soil in Nsukka agricultural zone, Nigeria. A 3 × 6 factorial experiments arranged in a split-plot design within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, was employed. Fertilizer treatments comprised varying combinations of goat manure (GM) and NPK (15:15:15), including sole and integrated applications. Fertilizer treatments included: I (50kg/ha NPK + 15 t/ha goat manure), II (100 kg/ha NPK + 10 t/ha goat manure), III (150 kg/ha NPK + 5 t/ha goat manure), IV (200 kg/ha NPK), V (20 t/ha goat manure) and VI (control: 0 kg/ha). Data was collected using appropriate instruments and procedures. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with mean separation by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at P ≤ 0.05. Results reveal that varietal differences, fertilizer treatments and their interactions significantly influenced both nutritional composition and sensory properties of watermelon fruits. Among others, treatment V produced the highest phosphorus content (26.60 g/100 g), while Treatment I recorded the highest potassium (7.30 g/100 g), calcium (6.26 g/100 g) and magnesium (18.85 g/100 g). Charleston Grey had the highest mean phosphorus content (21.70 g/100 g), whereas Sugar Baby recorded the highest potassium (6.75g/100 g), calcium (5.61 g/100 g) and magnesium (18.48 g/100 g).

Keywords: Climate-smart Agriculture Integrated Fertilizer Management Watermelon Nutrient Composition Sensory Attributes