Cultivo de sandía (Citrullus lanatus) con bokashi bajo condiciones del sur de Yucatán

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bokashi as an organic fertilizer, applied alone or in combination with chemical fertilization, on the growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) under the edaphoclimatic conditions of southern Yucatán. Three treatments were established: 100% chemical fertilization, 100% organic fertilization with bokashi, and ccombined fertilization 50% chemical and 50% organic. The variables assessed were the number of leaves per plant, stem length, fruit yield per plant, and fruit yield per hectare, measured at 50 and 90 days after sowing. Bokashi was prepared using local materials such as chicken manure, leaf litter, piloncillo, and yeast, following an aerobic fermentation process. The experimental design was completely randomized with six replications per treatment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results showed no statistically significant differences among treatments for any of the evaluated variables, although the chemical fertilization treatment showed slightly higher yield per hectare. It is concluded that bokashi fertilization, whether used alone or in combination, did not outperform chemical fertilization in terms of plant growth or fruit yield, although it represents a viable, sustainable alternative for agriculture in the region.