Growing high quality melons using a water circulation hydroponic model

Hydroponic melon growing techniques are being applied by many gardeners because of their efficiency and economy. Instead of growing hydroponic drip irrigation with substrate, some facilities have applied a new technique of growing hydroponic circulating water. This is a new technology, with outstanding advantages, for better efficiency. Tan Hiep Farm in Truong Thanh commune, Can Tho city has successfully applied this model.

Water circulation hydroponics is a method of using nutrient solution to feed plants instead of soil. The special feature of this system is that the solution will be continuously pumped through the roots of the plants, then returned to the tank, forming a closed loop. The operating principle of this system is: the pump will push the nutrient solution from the tank to the pipes/troughs where the plants are placed. After flowing through the roots and providing nutrients, the excess solution will flow back to the tank for reuse. Therefore, this system helps to save water and nutrients to the maximum. In addition, when growing hydroponically, it will avoid pathogens from the soil and be self-sufficient in the source of nutrients for the melons.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Bao, owner of Tan Hiep Farm, said: “I have thoroughly studied this method through a real facility. Then I researched more and improved some steps to create a complete process. In 2024, I invested in building 4 greenhouses to grow melons, with a total area of ^{​​1,200m2} . The average life cycle of melons is 85 days, I harvest from day 75-90. Because I grow in rotation, harvest every 25 days, then incubate seeds/time, so the farm always has melons to sell all year round. On average, about 14 crops/year are harvested, reaching 1-1.5 tons/crop. Retail price is from 60,000-70,000 VND/kg. After deducting costs, the profit is about 30%”.

The process of cultivating melons using the hydroponic water circulation model at Tan Hiep Farm is carried out through many stages, meticulously in each step. First, the seeds are incubated for 10 days in a treated coconut fiber substrate. When the seeds germinate and take root (from day 10 to day 20), they will be put into a hydroponic water trough. For the melons to grow well, providing nutrients to the plants is very important because if the fertilizer is not mixed according to the standard, it will cause precipitation and loss of nutrients. Therefore, Mr. Bao has researched to mix fertilizers together accurately, creating a compound with the right amount of nutrients, balanced, ensuring the plant's development in each stage, while preventing common diseases.

Students visit and experience Tan Hiep Farm melon garden. Photo: provided by the facility

Next, the green plants will be pruned, the side branches will be trimmed, then the plants will be hung on the trellis. When the plants are 30 days old and flowering, it is time for pollination. From day 40-55 is the stage of selecting fruits, each vine only leaves 1 best fruit, the rest are removed to ensure the fruit develops and has a high sweetness. From the time the fruit is selected, no more pesticides are used, the hydroponic system only has the necessary nutrients for the melon. When the melon reaches a sweetness of 13-15 prix, each fruit weighs from 2.5-4kg, it is harvested. The melon has a green outer shell, when cut open the inside is orange-yellow, and has a sweet and cool taste.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Bao added: “There have been harvests of melons weighing 4-5kg, even more than 6kg, while still ensuring sweetness. The facility has registered to test for pesticide residues, ensuring product safety, providing melons that meet standards for the market.”

In addition to selling fresh melons, Tan Hiep Farm also sells cantaloupe juice and dried melons to meet the diverse needs of consumers. In particular, dried melons are made using freeze-drying technology, helping the melons retain the same nutritional value as fresh melons. Dried melons are crispy, sweet, and are a suitable snack for all ages, especially children.

Besides production and business, Tan Hiep Farm also opens its doors to welcome groups of students from schools to experience, visit, study and learn more about high-tech agricultural models.

LE THU

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/trong-dua-luoi-chat-luong-cao-bang-mo-hinh-thuy-canh-tuan-hoan-nuoc-a192736.html