Preliminary field experiments were conducted to examine the influences of lime (CaCO3) rate (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
t ha-1
) on the production of canary melon (Cucumis melo L. var. Inodorus) on acidic soil of Calabar, Nigeria. Canary melon
production is presently limited to the northern part of Nigeria. The southern part of Nigeria has the potential to support its
production, but for low soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The
initial soil pH (1:2.5 H2O), 4.13, was improved to 4.69 (1 t ha-1
) – 5.93 (5 t ha-1
). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in
soil pH increase after 2 t ha-1 of CaCO3. Liming significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased available P, total N, Ca2+
, Mg2+
, K+
, effective
cation exchange capacity, and base saturation of the soil, but reduced exchangeable acidity. Increased lime rates increased (p ≤
0.05) seedling emergence, leaf (area, area index), vine (length and thickness), and fruit and seed yields. However, fruits
sweetness was inconsistent. CaCO3 had significant (p ≤ 0.001) linear relationships and correlations with growth and yield traits
of canary melon. Canary melon can be cultivated in Calabar with an application of 2 – 5 t ha-1 of CaCO3
