Agroeconomic analysis of plant arrangement in melon cultivation in Nova Mutum, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Spacing is a strategy that can be used to increase the production and profitability of melon (Cucumis melo L.), without negatively interfering with fruit quality. However, there are few published studies evaluating spacings in the profitability of culture in the Midwest region, especially in Mato Grosso. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the responses of production, quality and estimate the production costs and profitability of melon at different planting densities in Nova Mutum, MT. Five spacings (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 m) between plants and 3 m between rows, grown under mulching in a randomized block design, were evaluated. Evaluations were carried out to determine total and commercial productivity, commercial fruit mass, fruit width and length, total soluble solids content, pH, total titratable acidity, fruit maturation index and economic indicators. The plants grown at 0.2 m spacing obtained higher total (36,782.50 t ha-1) and commercial (29,310.00 t ha-1) productivity of melon fruits. The plant population did not affect the shape of the fruit, soluble solids, pH, total acidity and maturation index. The plant population did not affect the shape of the fruit, soluble solids, pH, total acidity and maturation index. The economic viability analysis revealed that the exploitation of melon at different spacings presents economically satisfactory results in several economic efficiency indices. The highest profitability rate (51.08 %) was found in the largest plant population (0.2 m).