Effect of soil and climatic conditions and agronomic practices on yield and quality of melon production (Cucumis melo L.) in the south-east of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Aim. Kazakh melon (Cucumis melo L.) is widely known worldwide for its high organoleptic qualities. Currently, the domestic market is fully supplied with melon production; however, to increase export potential, it is necessary to expand the cultivated area. The main production of melon crops in the country is concentrated in the southern and southeastern regions, as the soil and climatic conditions of these zones allow large-scale cultivation of melon. In this regard, our research was aimed
at a comprehensive assessment of the influence of soil types on the productivity and fruit quality of melon under the conditions of southeastern Kazakhstan, as well as at improving agronomic practices through the determination of optimal planting schemes, plant density, and sowing dates.
Materials and Methods. The research was conducted in 2024–2025 at the Regional Branch “Kainar” of the LLP “Kazakh Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Growing”, as well as under the conditions of the farm “Zhanalyk”. The experiments were arranged using a randomized block design with four replications. Five melon varieties with different maturation periods were used in the study. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results. It was established that under the conditions of sandy-loam ordinary serozem soils, the yield and quality indicators of melon fruits were higher. In these soil and climatic conditions, yield was 6.7–48.5% higher compared to dark chestnut medium loamy soils. It was also found that the productivity and quality parameters of melon directly depend on sowing dates and plant density. Excessively dense planting led to a decrease in yield. The research results showed that the most effective planting scheme
was 280×70×70 cm with an optimal plant density of 10.2 thousand plants/ha. Sowing in the first and second decades of May contributed to higher yields, increased dry matter and total sugar content in fruits, as well as improved taste qualities.
Conclusion. The improvement of melon productivity and fruit quality largely depends on the proper selection of sowing dates and optimization of plant density, taking into account the soil and climatic characteristics of the region. The results confirm that the application of optimal agronomic practices can significantly increase melon yield and production efficiency.