Why do watermelon farmers put a rock on top of the watermelon?

5 explanations surprised many people, even agricultural experts had to nod in approval.

In China, during the ripening season of watermelons, anyone passing through the melon fields will encounter an extremely strange scene. That is, on each melon is placed a piece of ice, big and small, many sizes. For farmers, growing good quality watermelons is not easy, it requires them to take meticulous care of every step from nursery to weeding and fertilizing. So, why do they put ice on their stems when the melons are about to ripen? What effect does this action have?

 Each watermelon is placed on a piece of ice, large and small, of many sizes.

Recently, the Sohu website said it had surveyed and interviewed an old farmer who owned a watermelon plot. This person gave 5 effects of placing a rock on a watermelon. 5 explanations that surprised many people, even agricultural experts had to nod in approval.

First, here's how to identify ripe melons . Specifically, because watermelon is grown on a large area, the growing time is different. When fruiting, it usually takes up to a month to ripen, the fastest ripening type also needs 27 days. Therefore, placing the stones on top is a marking action that makes harvesting more convenient. This is also the method used by many melon growers.

Placing a rock is a way to help identify ripe melons.

Second, avoid direct sunlight. Placing a rock on the watermelon can also help absorb heat during the day, reduce the harsh sunlight shining directly on the watermelon, and avoid affecting the quality of the melon.

As the weather becomes cooler at night, the temperature of the ice will also decrease, which will create a large temperature difference between day and night for the watermelon. According to scientists, this is a wise way to promote the growth of watermelons, increase the sugar content in watermelons, making watermelons tastier and sweeter.

Place a rock on top to prevent the melon from rolling down the hillside.

Third, to keep the melon from going bad. When watermelon grows to a certain level, its fruit will grow straight. If the stones are heavy enough, the melons will grow more evenly.

Fourth, in some places people grow watermelons on slopes, so they put rocks on top to prevent the melons from rolling down the hillside. Not to mention rolling back and forth causes the melons to collide with each other and break, affecting the quality.

Fifth, the rocks help prevent birds from eating the watermelon . When birds land on melons with rocks placed on top, they cannot stand up to eat. Thus, the birds will be scared and fly away.

According to scientists, watermelon, whose scientific name is Citrullus lanatus, is a type of plant in the gourd family with a hard shell and a lot of water, originating from southern Africa. Watermelon is popular with many people because of its sweetness and water content, while also helping to provide many vitamins and trace elements to the body. On hot summer days, nothing quenches thirst like a cool piece of watermelon.

Besides, this type of melon also brings many health benefits to users, including improving insulin sensitivity, reducing muscle pain, lowering blood pressure, preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease, asthma. . Watermelon seeds have the effect of cooling the lungs, dissolving phlegm, laxative, and are beneficial for the digestive system. Watermelon roots and leaves can be used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.