SOUSA, C. S.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7062083562541883; SOUSA, Caio da Silva.
Résumé:
In the semiarid region of Brazil, water scarcity is one of the main limiting factors for agriculture.
In this context, the use of technologies that can mitigate the effects of water deficit is essential
to expand agricultural activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the the gas
exchange, production and postharvest quality of watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet under
irrigation rates and silicate fertilization in the brazilian semiarid region. The main plots
consisted of five irrigation rates (60; 70; 80; 90 and 100% of crop evapotranspiration - ETc),
while the subplots were composed of two doses of silicate fertilization (0 and 600 mg L-1 of
silicic acid). The application of silicon improved the physiological efficiency of the plants,
reducing transpiration and stomatal conductance, while increasing the efficiency of water use
and carboxylation. The combination of silicate fertilization with 100% ETc increased the
soluble solids content and production per plant. The application of silicon allowed plants
irrigated with irrigation rates between 80% and 90% of ETc to maintain a comparable yield
compared to those under a rate of 100% of ETc without silicon. This strategy proved to be
effective in promoting sustainability in agriculture, especially in contexts of water scarcity.
