Assessment of Borehole Water Quality for the Growth and Yield of Sweet Melon (Cucumis melo L) Cultivation under Controlled Environment in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Water scarcity and variability in water quality remain a major challenge for agricultural productivity in Sub-saharan Africa. This study assessed the suitability of borehole water for irrigation and examined its effect on the growth, yield and water use efficiency of sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) under controlled environment conditions in North-Central Nigeria. Physiochemical and microbial properties of borehole water were analysed and compared with (WHO) standards for irrigation. Results showed that all parameters including pH, electrical conductivity, (EC), total dissolved solids(TDS) and microbial load, were within permissible limits, indicating that the water was suitable for crop production. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using three irrigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration, ETc) in combination with four fertilizer application rate (0kg/h (F0), 25kg/h (F25), 50kg/h (F50) and 75kg/h (F75) of recommended dose).  Findings revealed that plants irrigated at 80% ETc with 75% fertilizer application produced significantly higher fruit yield and superior water use efficiency compared to the control treatment (100% ETc with full fertilizer). Sever deficit irrigation (60% ETc) reduced fruit size and yield, though it improves water savings. The study concludes that borehole water in the region is safe for irrigation and that adopting moderate deficit irrigation with optimized fertilizer use offers a practical strategy for improving productivity and conserving water. These results have direct implications for farmers and policymakers, providing evidence-based recommendations for sustainable horticultural production in water-scarce environments.