See Soil Management for a discussion of sources of liming materials and their effects on pH and other soil properties. Muskmelons require a well-drained soil and do not thrive on heavy clay or peat soils.
Muskmelons require a moderate level of soil fertility.
Harvesting one ton removes an average of 4 pounds N, 1.4 to 2 pounds P2O5, and 5 to 9 pounds K2O from the soil. As with most fruiting plants, N applied must be adequate to develop a vigorous canopy, but not so high that vegetative growth is stimulated during the period of fruit development. If this happens, leaves and fruit compete for carbohydrates and fruit yield and sugar content may be reduced. Adequate P may be available in previously cropped southern soils, but in alkaline western soils and some other soils, P2O5 additions may be necessary to stimulate seedling growth, and maximize fruit size and sugar content. Considerable boron is required and may need to be applied as a foliar spray.