Watermelon yield per Hectare in the open field and greenhouse info to make you profitable!
Anyone interested in growing watermelon for business, would want to know the possible yields he or she is likely to get per hectare.
This information is super important because it will help the grower determine:
- The profitability of watermelon farming,
- How to manage expenses so that he/she breaks even and makes profit,
- The monthly repayment he/she can handle comfortably, if the grower wants to take a loan,
- Proper marketing plans once the harvest is ready,
- Planning arrangements for pest control, irrigation, fertilizer application & more!
Now that we have known the why watermelon yield per hectare is important…
“How much yield should I expect?”
You may ask.
I know you are excited, and you want me to give a figure.
However, before I do that it will help to know…
The Yield per hectare of Watermelon Boils Down to the Following Key Issues:
- Where you are growing the watermelon. Is it in the open field or in greenhouse?
- The spacing between the plants and within the rows,
- Watermelon variety you choose to grow
- And your skills as a grower.
Now that the reasons behind the yields is settled, from 1 hectare of watermelon you can get 150-300 tons of fruit.
That information is not enough for you to become a profitable watermelon farmer.
You need much more.
There is need to know how the factors mentioned above affect yields and how you can take advantage of them.
Interested?
Continue reading;
Where You Grow Your Watermelon and Its Impact On Yield:
The location where you grow your watermelon can have a significant impact on the yield per hectare. Grow watermelon in the right location, and getting high yields will be easy as drinking water.
The two main locations for growing watermelon are:
- In the open field,
- and in a greenhouse.
Briefly, we will explore the pros and cons of each location, and how they affect the yield per hectare of watermelon.
Open Field Watermelon Farming
Open field watermelon farming is the most common way of growing watermelon.
This method involves planting the watermelon seeds directly into the soil in an open field.
The advantages of open field farming are that it is less expensive and requires less investment compared to greenhouse farming.
The downside is that open field farming is vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can negatively impact the yield per hectare.
You also don’t have full control over the growing environment as the open field is subject to the changing weather.
Drought, hailstones, unexpected rain can wreak havoc on open field watermelon.
However, this does not mean you can’t get high yields growing watermelon in the open field.
In fact, experienced watermelon farmers report up to 230 tons per hectare of open field watermelon!
For more details about the right month for growing watermelon, follow this link.
Greenhouse Watermelon Farming
Greenhouse watermelon farming involves growing watermelon inside a greenhouse.
This method is becoming more popular among farmers due to its many advantages.
Greenhouse farming provides a controlled environment that is not affected by external factors like weather, pests, and diseases.
The result is a higher yield per hectare of watermelon compared to open field farming.
The downside of greenhouse farming is that it is more expensive and requires more investment compared to open field farming.
While open field farming is less expensive, it is vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can negatively impact the yield.
On the other hand, greenhouse farming provides a controlled environment that results in a higher yield per hectare of watermelon.
Whichever method you choose it is important to consider other factors that affect watermelon yield to achieve optimal results.
Spacing of Watermelon and Its Impact on Yield Per Hectare
When it comes to watermelon farming, the spacing between the plants is a crucial factor that affects the yield per hectare of watermelon.
Proper spacing allows each plant to receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, which results in healthier plants and higher yields.
To achieve the highest yield per hectare of watermelon, it is essential to consult with experts and use best practices for your specific location.
Since this factor requires detailed discussion, please follow this link to explore the impact of spacing on the yield per hectare of watermelon.
The Impact of Watermelon Variety On Yield Per acre
The variety of watermelon you choose to grow can have a significant impact on the yield per hectare.
Different watermelon varieties have different characteristics, including fruit size, shape, texture, and taste.
These factors can affect the yield per hectare in several ways. In this article, we will explore how the watermelon variety you grow can impact the yield per hectare.
Fruit Size
Watermelon varieties differ in fruit size.
Some varieties produce larger fruits than others.
Larger fruits may require more resources, such as water and nutrients, to develop fully, and may take longer to mature.
As a result, watermelon varieties that produce larger fruits may have lower yields per hectare than those that produce smaller fruits.
Maturity Period
Watermelon varieties also differ in their maturity period. Some varieties may mature faster than others.
Early-maturing varieties allow for multiple harvests, which can increase the yield per hectare.
On the other hand, late-maturing varieties may take longer to mature, resulting in lower yields per hectare.
Resistance to Diseases and Pests
Watermelon varieties differ in their resistance to diseases and pests.
Some varieties are more resistant to diseases and pests than others.
Choosing a variety that is resistant to common diseases and pests can reduce the risk of crop loss due to these factors.
This, in turn, can increase the yield per hectare.
Taste and Appearance
Watermelon varieties also differ in taste and appearance. Some varieties are sweeter than others, while others have a firmer texture.
Varieties that are more appealing to consumers may have a higher demand, resulting in higher prices and potentially higher yields per hectare.
Your Skills as a farmer How they affect Yield of watermelon per Hectare
As a farmer, your skills, knowledge, and experience can significantly impact the yield per hectare of watermelon.
Watermelon farming involves various tasks, such as land preparation, planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting.
The quality of your work in each of these areas can determine the success of your watermelon farm.
Land Preparation
Land preparation is the first step in watermelon farming. It involves clearing the land, plowing, and tilling the soil to create a suitable environment for watermelon plants to grow. Proper land preparation can improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability, and enhance water retention, which can result in higher yields.
Planting
Planting is a critical stage in watermelon farming. It involves selecting the right variety of watermelon, preparing seedbeds, planting the seeds, and spacing them properly. Proper planting techniques can ensure optimal seed germination and strong seedling growth, resulting in healthy plants and higher yields.
Irrigation
Watermelon plants require consistent and adequate moisture to grow and produce fruit. Proper irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation, can ensure that watermelon plants receive the right amount of water at the right time. Adequate irrigation can enhance the growth and development of watermelon plants, resulting in higher yields.
Pest and Disease Control
Watermelon plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause significant crop damage and reduce yields. Proper pest and disease control measures, such as crop rotation, using pest-resistant varieties, and using appropriate pesticides, can prevent or minimize damage to watermelon crops, resulting in higher yields.
Harvesting
Harvesting watermelons at the right time and in the right way is crucial for maximizing yields. Proper harvesting techniques, such as harvesting when the fruits are ripe and using appropriate tools, can ensure that watermelons are of high quality and suitable for the market.
