Optimal watermelon yield and quality can be achieved through precise irrigation management. Agriculture is one of the largest consumers of water worldwide; therefore, efficient water use is extremely important, as it helps reduce environmental pressure on limited water resources and enhances climate resilience. Within the framework of this bachelor's thesis, a literature review was conducted, revealing that watermelon is most sensitive to water deficit during the late vegetative growth stage, flowering, and especially during fruit development, with moderate water deficit causing the greatest reduction in yield. In contrast, the ripening stage is suitable for the application of deficit irrigation without significant yield losses, while also improving certain fruit quality parameters, such as soluble solids content, sugar content, and vitamin C concentration. It was also found that under moderate water deficit, yield losses were minimal relative to the achieved water savings. Due to the scarcity of freshwater resources, the possibility of irrigating with saline water was examined; however, increased salinity was found to negatively affect watermelon growth and yield. Drip irrigation proved to be more water-efficient than sprinkler irrigation. Grafting watermelon plants had a positive effect on yield and fruit size compared with non-grafted watermelons.
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