Melons

The Australian melon industry joined the Soil Wealth ICP project in 2023.

Soil Wealth ICP is currently focusing on three priority areas identified by the melon industry:

Soil health

Cover crops, rotations and minimum till
Consumer education
Biology and microbiome
Composting and soil

Crop health

Integrated pest, disease and weed management
Genetics and new varieties

Optimising inputs

Reducing plastic use
Building soil organic matter
Nutrient use efficiency
Waste
Fuel
Irrigation

Melon resources

Melon news

Melon events

Melon demo sites

Melon resources

MORE RESOURCES

Interim case study – Improving soil health with cover crops in a tropical climate at Ayr Research Facility

Applied Horticultural Research2026-06-11T22:38:02+00:00June 11th, 2026|

Melon production in North Queensland relies on intensive, irrigated systems that leave little room for soil recovery between crops. Frequent tillage, limited rotation options, and tight planting windows (especially through the dry–wet transition) are...

New melon demonstration site in central Australia

Applied Horticultural Research2025-10-15T00:41:54+00:00October 13th, 2025|

A new melon demonstration site in Ali Curung in central Australia is exploring how cover crops can be used alongside melons to build healthier soils, protect crops from wind damage, and make more efficient use...

Evaluating cover crops and biostimulants for healthier melon soils in Ayr, north Queensland

Applied Horticultural Research2025-10-15T00:45:57+00:00October 13th, 2025|

A new Soil Wealth ICP demonstration site at the Department of Primary Industries’ Ayr Research Facility in north Queensland is exploring how cover crops and biostimulants can work together to enhance soil health, resilience and...

New melon demonstration site tests cover crops and biodegradable mulches

Applied Horticultural Research2025-09-11T00:53:18+00:00August 26th, 2025|

Melon growers often rely on black plastic mulch to suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture. A new trial is underway in Lakeland, Far North Queensland to explore whether cover crops and biodegradable mulches can provide...