Watermelon-pepper high-yield planting method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of watermelon-pepper composite cultivation, in particular to a high-yield planting method for intercropping seed production watermelons with pod peppers. According to the method, the problems that no seed production watermelon-pod pepper composite cultivation technology exists in an existing watermelon-pepper relay intercropping mode, competition is fierce, density is unreasonable, fertilizer management is extensive, and harvesting time conflicts exist are effectively solved, efficient collaborative production of the two crops is achieved, and the land utilization rate and economic benefits of unit area are remarkably improved; the method has high scientificity and practicability and is suitable for large-scale application and popularization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of watermelon-chili intercropping technology, specifically to a high-yield watermelon-chili planting method. Background Technology

[0002] Intercropping watermelon and chili peppers is a common intercropping pattern aimed at improving land utilization and yield per unit area. Current intercropping methods often employ simultaneous or near-simultaneous planting, lacking scientific timing adjustments. This leads to resource competition between the two crops during critical growth periods, particularly for sunlight, water, and nutrients, severely impacting yield and quality.

[0003] The existing watermelon-chili intercropping method has the following main drawbacks:

[0004] 1) Overlapping planting times and intense competition: In traditional intercropping, watermelons and peppers are often planted at or near the same time, leading to fierce competition for light, water, and nutrients from the seedling stage. Watermelons, as vine crops, grow slowly in the early stages, while peppers are upright crops. If planted at the same time, peppers will quickly occupy space, shading watermelon seedlings, affecting their photosynthesis and early growth, resulting in reduced watermelon yield.

[0005] 2) Inappropriate plant density: In existing intercropping models, the spacing between chili pepper plants is often determined based on experience, ranging from 30cm to 100cm, lacking scientific basis. When the density is too high, competition among chili pepper plants intensifies, leading to increased populations of pests such as aphids and thrips, and also exacerbating competition with watermelons. Conversely, when the density is too low, land utilization is low, and overall benefits are not significant. Furthermore, there is a lack of systematic research on the crop interaction effects under different plant spacings, making it difficult to achieve optimal configuration.

[0006] 3) Fertilizer management is extensive. Traditional methods often involve applying only one type of base fertilizer or insufficient fertilizer, failing to make scientific ratios based on the nutrient requirements of the two crops, resulting in nutrient excess or deficiency in one crop, which affects the overall yield and quality.

[0007] 4) Conflicting or improperly coordinated harvesting periods: If the harvesting periods of watermelons and peppers overlap or are improperly coordinated, it will lead to difficulties in field operations and may even damage the plants, affecting later yields. In particular, if peppers have not yet entered their peak fruiting period after the watermelon harvest, there will be a serious waste of land and light and heat resources.

[0008] 5) Lack of research on variety compatibility. Existing technologies pay little attention to the selection of watermelon and pepper varieties. There are significant differences in growth characteristics, stress resistance and yield performance among different varieties. If the combination is not appropriate, it will further intensify resource competition or lead to aggravation of diseases and pests. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Based on the above problems, this invention provides a high-yield watermelon-chili pepper cultivation method, specifically including the following steps:

[0010] Apply 3000 kg / mu of well-rotted farmyard manure, 50 kg / mu of diammonium phosphate, 40 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, and 50 kg / mu of superphosphate as base fertilizer. After fertilization, rotary tillage and harrowing are carried out to form ridges. The furrows are covered with 1.4 m of film. Watermelons are planted 5 cm above the ridges, with two rows per ridge. The furrows are 2-2.5 m wide. Single plants are sown in holes with a plant spacing of 20 cm. After the watermelon seedlings have grown independently for 25 days, peppers are planted between the watermelon plants with a plant spacing of 40 cm and a row spacing of 1.2 m for wide rows and 0.8 m for narrow rows. After the watermelons are harvested, the peppers are grown independently for 50-60 days before harvesting.

[0011] Preferably, the chili pepper variety is Chaotianjiao Baoyin 829 (or a variety with a transplant-harvest growth period of ≤140 days).

[0012] Preferably, the watermelon is a seed-producing watermelon.

[0013] The optimal method involves raising chili pepper seedlings in late February, sowing watermelon (mother parent) seeds in the field at the end of March (seedlings emerge around April 10th), and raising watermelon (male parent) seedlings together for staggered transplanting. The chili peppers are then transplanted on May 5th. Before transplanting, the watermelon seedlings have a separate 25-day growth period. After the watermelon harvest at the end of July, the chili peppers close the canopy and enter a period of summer-autumn growth, with the chili peppers growing independently for 50-60 days. The chili peppers mature and are harvested between September 20th and October 1st. This invention effectively ensures the space and light requirements for both the seed watermelon and the later stages of chili pepper growth, effectively preventing chili pepper diseases.

[0014] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] (1) This invention proposes that watermelons grow independently for 25 days before chili peppers are transplanted, effectively avoiding competition during the seedling stage. Watermelons establish a certain group advantage before chili pepper transplanting, occupying space and light and heat resources. After subsequent transplanting, chili peppers can recover under the shade of watermelons, reducing sunscald and water evaporation, while not affecting the later growth of watermelons. After watermelon harvest, chili peppers continue to grow independently for 50-60 days, making full use of land and light and heat resources.

[0016] (2) Through multi-gradient experiments with chili pepper plant spacing of 30-50cm, this invention has determined that 40cm is the optimal plant spacing. Under this mode, the chili peppers exhibit excellent traits such as the number of red fruits per plant, fruit length, and fruit shoulder width, while having the least impact on watermelon yield. This density ensures that the chili peppers have sufficient growing space and light, while avoiding excessive competition for watermelon, thus achieving balanced and high yields for both crops.

[0017] (3) This invention proposes a detailed base fertilizer formula, including a scientific ratio of well-rotted farmyard manure, diammonium phosphate, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate, to ensure that both crops have sufficient nutrient supply during their critical growth periods. By rotary tillage and harrowing to form ridges, fertilizer utilization and soil permeability are further improved, laying a solid foundation for high yields of both crops.

[0018] (4) This invention selects “Baoyin 829 (or a variety with a transplant-harvest growth period of ≤140 days)” chili pepper and seed watermelon for intercropping. Baoyin 829 (or a variety with a transplant-harvest growth period of ≤140 days) has the characteristics of early maturity, strong resistance, good fruit shape and high yield. When paired with seed watermelon which is mid-early maturing, disease-resistant and easy to manage, the two complement each other in terms of growth period, disease and pest resistance and resource utilization, which further enhances the stability and yield potential of the system.

[0019] (5) The results of the experiment show that under the intercropping model with a plant spacing of 40cm for chili peppers, the output value per mu can reach 17,036 yuan, which is significantly higher than the 15,202 yuan for single-cropping seed watermelon. This model significantly improves the yield, quality and comprehensive benefits of chili peppers and seed watermelon seeds.

[0020] (6) The planting method provided by the present invention is simple to operate, with clear time nodes, and the density and fertilizer management are repeatable. It is suitable for large-scale demonstration and promotion in the main production areas of watermelon and pepper, and has a high application prospect. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of watermelon-chili intercropping technology. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] Experimental Example 1

[0025] 1. Test materials

[0026] Chili pepper variety: Baoyin 829 (early maturing, strong resistance to adverse conditions, vigorous growth, good fruit shape, determinate growth, fast coloring at maturity, high yield, good marketability, the main variety cultivated locally).

[0027] Seed watermelon: medium-early maturing (110 days from emergence to harvest), strong disease resistance, easy to manage, and good quality.

[0028] 2. Experimental Design

[0029] Based on the different plant spacing of intercropped chili peppers, this experiment was designed with 6 treatments:

[0030] CK: Seed-producing watermelons + no intercropping of chili peppers;

[0031] Experimental Group 1: Seed-producing watermelons intercropped with chili peppers at a plant spacing of 30cm (M0);

[0032] Experimental Group 2: Seed-producing watermelons intercropped with peppers at a plant spacing of 35cm (M30);

[0033] Experimental Group 3: Seed-producing watermelons intercropped with chili peppers at a plant spacing of 40cm (M35);

[0034] Experimental Group 4: Seed-producing watermelons intercropped with chili peppers at a plant spacing of 45cm (M40);

[0035] Experimental Group 5: Seed-producing watermelons intercropped with chili peppers at a plant spacing of 50cm (M45).

[0036] Table 1

[0037] The experiment employed a randomized block design, with each treatment replicated three times, for a total of 18 plots, each plot being 20 m in size. 2 (The furrow width is 2 meters, and the width of two ridges is 5 meters). Cover the furrow with 1.4m of black film. Plant seed watermelons 5cm above the soil surface on the ridge, with two rows per ridge. The furrow width is 2m, and the plant spacing is 20cm. Sow in holes, one plant at a time, with a plant spacing of 20cm. Plant peppers between the watermelon plants. The row spacing for peppers is 1.2m for wide rows and 0.8m for narrow rows.

[0038] Planting time: Chili pepper seedlings are raised in late February. Watermelon female parents are directly sown at the end of March, germinating around April 10th. Watermelon male parents are centrally sown in small arched greenhouses and transplanted at staggered times. Before chili pepper transplanting on May 5th, watermelon seedlings have a separate 25-day growth period. After watermelon harvest at the end of July, chili peppers close the canopy and enter a summer-autumn growth phase, with a separate growth period of 50-60 days. Dried chili peppers are harvested from September 20th to October 1st. 1.3 Experimental site selection and field management

[0039] Chili peppers and watermelons are crops that require a large amount of fertilizer, so sufficient base fertilizer should be applied. (667m) 2Apply 3000 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure, 50 kg of diammonium phosphate, 40 kg of potassium sulfate, and 50 kg of superphosphate. After fertilization, till once by rotary tillage, harrow, and make ridges. Manage and control pests and diseases according to local planting methods. Watermelon seeds are generally harvested from July 23rd to July 30th, and chili peppers are harvested from September 20th to October 1st after full maturity, followed by a combination of sun-drying and air-drying.

[0040] 3. Indicator Measurement

[0041] Biological characteristics: The plant height, stem diameter, red fruit rate, fruit length, fruit shoulder width, single fruit weight, and fruit stalk length of chili peppers were measured. The diameter, weight, number of seeds, and seed weight of seed watermelons were measured.

[0042] Yield calculation: The yield of chili peppers and the yield of watermelon seeds under different treatments were measured, and the overall benefits were calculated.

[0043] The results of the above indicator measurements are shown in the figure. Figure 1 See Table 2-5.

[0044] Table 2 Effects of different intercropping patterns on fruit traits of chili pepper

[0045] deal with Number of red fruits per plant Fruit length (cm) Shoulder width (mm) Dry weight of a single fruit (g) Fruit stalk length (mm) 1 129.56 8.23 13.79 1.29 22.91 2 124.89 7.79 13.46 1.17 23.68 3 123.44 8.35 13.85 1.25 24.28 4 137.89 8.27 13.63 1.19 23.89 5 172.22 7.73 13.42 1.18 22.23

[0046] Table 3. Impact of different intercropping patterns on chili pepper yield

[0047] Table 4. Effects of different intercropping patterns on fruit traits of seed watermelons

[0048] deal with Melon weight (kg) Melon diameter (cm) Number of seeds per melon seed Fresh weight of a single melon seed (g) CK 2.15 16.67 192.33 48.13 1 1.53 14.00 157.00 32.00 2 1.63 14.67 168.67 37.67 3 1.98 16.67 183.00 44.43 4 1.71 16.00 170.33 43.26 5 1.54 16.00 163.33 42.24

[0049] Table 5. Impact of different intercropping patterns on seed watermelon yield.

[0050] Depend on Figure 1 It can be seen that different intercropping patterns have a significant impact on the plant height and stem diameter of chili peppers, with plant height increasing as the planting spacing increases. Among them, the plant height and stem diameter are greatest when the planting spacing is 50cm, with a plant height of 66.00cm and a stem diameter of 16.66mm. The plant height is smallest when the planting spacing is 30cm, and the stem diameter is smallest when the planting spacing is 35cm.

[0051] Table 2 shows that the five different planting densities had different effects on the fruit traits of chili peppers. The treatment with the highest number of red fruits per plant was a planting spacing of 50cm, with 172.22 red fruits, while the treatment with the lowest number of red fruits was a planting spacing of 40cm. The treatment with the largest single fruit length and shoulder width was a planting spacing of 40cm, while the treatment with the smallest was a planting spacing of 50cm. The treatment with the highest single fruit dry weight was a planting spacing of 30cm, followed by a planting spacing of 40cm. The treatment with the longest fruit stalk was a planting spacing of 40cm, while the treatment with the shortest fruit stalk was also a planting spacing of 40cm.

[0052] Table 3 shows that different intercropping patterns have a significant impact on the yield of chili peppers. The yield is 389.86 kg / mu when the plant spacing is 30 cm, followed by 276.14 kg / mu when the plant spacing is 35 cm, and the lowest yield is achieved when the plant spacing is 43 cm.

[0053] Table 4 shows that different intercropping patterns have a significant impact on the fruit traits of seed watermelons, with reductions in fruit weight, diameter, and seed weight to some extent. Among these, the impact on fruit traits was relatively small when the planting spacing for chili peppers was 40cm, compared to other patterns. The greatest impact on the fruit traits of seed watermelons was observed when chili peppers were planted at a spacing of 30cm.

[0054] Table 5 shows that when watermelons are cultivated alone for seed production, the seed weight per mu (667 square meters) is 19.49 kg. The seed weight of watermelons decreased to varying degrees after intercropping with chili peppers in different patterns. The most significant decrease was observed in the 30cm plant spacing pattern, followed by the 35cm and 50cm plant spacing patterns.

[0055] Based on market conditions, the average price of watermelon seeds for seed production is 780 yuan / kg, and the price of chili peppers is 11 yuan / kg. Calculate the benefits.

[0056] CK: Without intercropping with chili peppers: the yield value of seed watermelon monoculture is 15,202 yuan per mu;

[0057] Mode 1: Intercropping chili peppers at a plant spacing of 30cm: The seed yield of watermelon is 12.96kg per mu, the yield of chili peppers is 389.86kg per mu, and the output value per mu can reach 14,396 yuan;

[0058] Mode 2: Intercropping chili peppers at a plant spacing of 35cm: The seed production of watermelons yields 15.25kg of seeds per mu and 276.14kg of chili peppers per mu, with a total output value of 14,932 yuan per mu.

[0059] Mode 3: Intercropping chili peppers with a plant spacing of 40cm: The seed production of watermelons yields 17.99kg of seeds per mu and 273.14kg of chili peppers per mu, with a total output value of 17,036 yuan per mu.

[0060] Mode 4: Intercropping chili peppers with a plant spacing of 45cm: The seed watermelon yield is 17.52kg of seeds per mu, the chili pepper yield is 243.46kg per mu, and the output value per mu can reach 16,343 yuan.

[0061] Mode 5: Intercropping chili peppers with a plant spacing of 50cm: The seed production of watermelons yields 17.11kg of seeds per mu and 271.80kg of chili peppers per mu, with a total output value of 16,335 yuan per mu.

[0062] Based on the above experimental results, it can be concluded that when seed-producing watermelons are intercropped with chili peppers at a planting spacing of 40 cm, the chili peppers have little impact on the seed-producing watermelons and achieve a higher yield, thus maximizing the return of "two mu of money per mu". Therefore, this intercropping model is suitable for the cultivation of high-yield and high-efficiency seed-producing watermelons and chili peppers in the local area and can be demonstrated and promoted on a large scale.

[0063] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A high-yield watermelon-chili pepper cultivation method, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: covering the furrows with mulch, planting watermelons 5cm above the ridges, with two rows per ridge, furrows 2-2.5m wide, sowing single plants in holes with a plant spacing of 20cm, allowing watermelon seedlings to grow independently for 25 days, then transplanting chili peppers between the watermelon plants with a plant spacing of 30-50cm, allowing the chili peppers to grow independently for 50-60 days after the watermelon harvest, and then harvesting the chili peppers.

2. The method for high-yield cultivation of watermelon and chili peppers according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes applying 3000 kg / mu of well-rotted farmyard manure, 50 kg / mu of diammonium phosphate, 40 kg / mu of potassium sulfate, and 50 kg / mu of superphosphate as base fertilizer. After fertilization, the soil is rotary tilled, harrowed, and ridged.

3. The method for high-yield cultivation of watermelon and chili peppers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chili pepper variety is either Chaotianjiao Baoyin 829 or a variety with a transplant-harvest growth period of ≤140 days.

4. The method for high-yield cultivation of watermelon and chili peppers according to claim 3, characterized in that, The watermelon in question is a seed-producing watermelon.

5. A high-yield watermelon-chili pepper planting method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Chili peppers are sown in late February, watermelon female plants are sown in the field at the end of March and emerge around April 10. Watermelon male plants are sown in a concentrated manner and transplanted at staggered times. Chili peppers are transplanted on May 5. After the watermelon is harvested at the end of July, the chili peppers are planted in rows and mature and harvested from September 20 to October 1.

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