Objective   Effects of mulching with a degradable hemp film on the melon development and quality as well as the soil properties in greenhouse cultivation of cantaloupes were studied.

  Methods   A mulching film made of hemp fibers (MDM) along with a conventional PE film (PEBM) and without covering as control (CK) was applied on the cultivation bed of Luhoutian No. 1 cantaloupe in a solar greenhouse. Growth and development of the melons and soil conditions were monitored under a single factor random block design experiment.

  Results  Compared with CK, MDM and PEBM mulching increased the soil internal temperature by approximately 3.3 ℃. Both films increased the moisture content of the soil in a similar manner as well. As for the growth and development of the plants, MDM shortened the pollination time by 3d, while PEBM by 4d; and, both films truncated the fruit maturity for harvest by 10 d. Mulching with MDM produced 18.4% higher individual fruit weight, and 14.7% with PEBM; whereas, both films increased 3% on fruit yield per plot and per unit area with significant differences. The soluble sugar content of the melons under the MDM treatment was 10.7% higher; and, 9.9% higher under PEBM. After harvest, the soil mulched with MDM and PEBM decreased, respectively, 13.0 mg·kg⁻¹ and 9.0 mg·kg⁻¹ on available nitrogen, 17.0 mg·kg⁻¹ and 9.0 mg·kg⁻¹ on available phosphorus, and 33.0 mg·kg⁻¹ and 24.0 mg·kg⁻¹ on available potassium. However, no significant differences were observed among the treatments on total nitrogen or potassium contents. MDM mulching also impacted significantly on the microbial population in the soil. The bacterial and fungal counts were 101.60% and 70.66%, respectively, higher, while the actinomycetes 23.24% higher than CK.

  Conclusion  It appeared that the degradable hemp film was a desirable environment-friendly mulching material for cantaloupe farming.