Clemson scientists study watermelon to improve organic vegetable production

Introduction

Consumer interest in organically produced fruits and vegetables is growing, and to help growers meet this demand, Clemson University scientists are studying watermelon production methods to develop strategies to improve productivity and profitability of organic vegetables.

Research Team

The team is led by Bhupinder Jatana, a researcher at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, South Carolina, and assistant professor of vegetable crops in the university’s plant and environmental sciences department.

Funding

Funding for the project is provided by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to address challenges such as crop nutrition management and controlling diseases and weeds in organic vegetable production.

Study Focus: Watermelon Production

Watermelon was selected as the crop for the study because it uses the same cultural and other management practices as other organic crops grown under plastic mulch, such as cucumbers, muskmelons, pumpkins, and other cucurbits. Using plastic mulch is a common cultural practice in organic farming. Cultural practices are agricultural methods used to enhance crop productivity through conserving water and soil by reducing weeds, pests, and diseases without the use of chemicals.

Research Goals

1. Develop organic fertilizers and strategies for higher nutrient-use efficiency
2. Improve weed and soilborne pest management

Challenges in Organic Watermelon Production

Organic watermelon contributed to about 1.3% of the total watermelon sold in the United States in 2021. However, it faces challenges in nutrient management, weed control, and soilborne pest management.

Crop Nutrition Management

One of the difficulties in managing crop nutrition in organic production systems is the timing difference between the nutrient release rate of organic fertilizers and peak plant nutrient demand. This timing difference often results in insufficient nutrients to support periods of rapid crop growth, leading to yield loss or decreased crop quality.

Research Approach

The scientists will develop new fertilizers using concentrated organic agricultural byproduct materials and

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

• SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
• Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 2: Zero Hunger	Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.	Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.	Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste.
SDG 15: Life on Land	Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.	Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.

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Source: news.clemson.edu

 

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