Nutritional status of watermelon irrigated with brackish water in different planting systems

ABSTRACT Watermelon is cultivated in practically all Brazilian states; however, there are still disagreements as to the best way propagate it. In addition, Northeast region, main producing region country, increasingly facing scarcity of low-salinity water. Given this context, study aimed evaluate morphophysiology and mineral contents watermelon crop subjected irrigation water different electrical conductivities, using seedlings or direct seeding. A randomized block experimental design with split plots was used, four replications. The plot formed by conductivities (0.3, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 dS m-1) subplot planting methods - DS = seeding, TP1 transplanting seedling produced moderate salinity (1.5 m-1), TP2 low (0.3 m-1). highest biomass accumulation obtained seeding method. Salt stress increases intrinsic use efficiency plants. led P K leaf. increase level content S reduces Cu Mn.