Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon

Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon

Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural produce.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon is produced in nine townships of Haiyuan County: Xingren, Xutao, Haochuan, Guanqiao, Xinglong, Gaoya, Liwang, Xi’an, and Cao Wa. Haiyuan County is situated in the mountainous region of southern Ningxia, with geographical coordinates ranging from 105°09′45″ to 106°10′10″ east longitude and 36°06′40″ to 37°04′32″ north latitude, and at an altitude of 1,830 to 2,955 meters. The towns of Xingren, Xutao, and Haochuan are located in the northern part of the county, bordering the urban area of Zhongwei City and Zhongning County; the townships of Xinglong, Gaoya, and Liwang lie in the northeast, adjacent to Tongxin County of Wuzhong City; and the townships of Guanqiao, Xi’an, and Cao Wa are in the central part of the county. The total planting area covers 12,700 hectares, with an annual output of 135,000 tons.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic-Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: The soil in Haiyuan County is mainly calcareous, consisting of light sandy loam and clay loam, with high nutrient content in the topsoil layer (0–20 cm). The soil pH ranges between 7.5 and 8.5. The fertility condition is favorable. The geological development history dates back to the early Proterozoic era or even earlier, during which a sedimentary trough accumulated thick deposits of up to 7,749 meters of flysch and chemical rocks, along with intermediate-basic submarine volcanic rocks and linear intrusive rocks. Later tectonic oscillations or subsidence led to further sedimentation of fragmental carbonate rocks; subsequently, intense regional metamorphism transformed these into schist and marble. At the same time, due to erosional tectonic forces, medium and low mountain terrains were formed within the county.

　　(2) Hydrological Conditions: Most rivers around and within Haiyuan County are intermittent, with small water volumes and significant seasonal variation. During heavy rainstorms, flash floods occur, but flows rapidly decrease post-rainfall, often drying up completely. The Yangming River, Machun River, and Hebao River, located northwest of the Moon Mountain, maintain year-round surface water flow, as does the Yuang River nestled between the South and West Huashan Mountains.

　　The Qingshui River lies southeast of the South Huashan Mountain, with the Xi River as its main tributary. It covers an area of 5,162 square kilometers, with an annual runoff volume of 27.501 million cubic meters. The county’s groundwater dynamic reserves amount to 38.07 million cubic meters, with relatively abundant water areas including the Qingshui River plain, Xingren, Xi’an depression, and the alluvial fans at the foothills of the South and West Huashan Mountains, holding dynamic reserves of 31.63 million cubic meters.

　　(3) Climatic Conditions: Haiyuan County receives about 300 mm of rainfall annually, with high evaporation rates. The average annual temperature is 7.6°C, the effective accumulated temperature above 10°C is 2,621°C, and the frost-free period lasts 165 days. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, long daylight hours, and large diurnal temperature variations, all of which are highly conducive to the production and accumulation of dry matter—ideal conditions for the growth of selenium-sand melons. In addition, the land is covered with sand, which contains various trace elements beneficial to human health such as selenium and iron. The resulting melons have high sugar content, a sweet and refreshing taste, rich nutrition, and high commercial value. The selenium-sand melons are primarily grown using high-quality organic fertilizer, and the planting areas are free from industrial plants and pollution residues, ensuring good air quality. Both the supplemental irrigation water and soil meet the quality requirements for producing pollution-free agricultural products.

　　(4) Humanistic-Historical Background: The cultivation of Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon has a history of over 100 years. With its long cultivation tradition and experience, combined with the region’s superior geographical location and climatic conditions, the selenium-sand melon industry has achieved significant development in the county. As living standards gradually improve, especially among residents of large and medium-sized cities and economically developed regions, the demand for post-meal fruits has increased, and high-quality selenium-sand melons have become particularly popular. Currently, the selenium-sand melon industry has become a major specialty sector for increasing local farmers’ income and plays an increasingly important role in revitalizing the county’s economy.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Production Area Selection: The nine townships—Xingren, Xutao, Haochuan, Guanqiao, Xinglong, Gaoya, Liwang, Xi’an, and Cao Wa—must have production environments that comply with the “Pollution-Free Food Selenium-Sand Melon Production Environment Conditions” (NY5110-2002).

　　(2) Variety Selection: Priority is given to disease-resistant, drought-tolerant, high-quality, high-yield, storage- and transport-friendly, and marketable varieties. Unapproved varieties and genetically modified black bean varieties are not permitted. The variety layout should include a mix of mid- and late-maturing types, premium and regular varieties, as well as large, medium, and small melons, aiming to capture diverse market segments through multiple channels.

　　(3) Production Process Management: The production process of Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon must adhere to the “Pollution-Free Food Selenium-Sand Melon Production Operation Procedures” (NY5111-2002).

　　(4) Product Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling: Selenium-sand melons are mainly for export and can be harvested when they reach 80% ripeness. No disease or pest control pesticides or plant growth regulators may be applied within 20 days before harvesting.

　　(5) Production Record Requirements: A comprehensive field production record must be established for the entire production process of Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon, meticulously documented and properly preserved for future reference.

　　Product Typical Quality Characteristics and Quality Safety Standards

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melons vary in shape, including round and oblong forms. They come in different sizes, mostly green with black streaks or entirely black.

　　(2) Internal Quality Indicators: The flesh of Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon is bright red, with black seeds, thin rind, tender texture, strong aroma, and sugar content reaching 11%. It is renowned for its sweetness, purity, and high quality, considered a premium-grade product.

　　(3) Safety Requirements: Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon complies with the “NY5109-2002 Pollution-Free Food Selenium-Sand Melon” standard.

　　Packaging, Labeling, and Related Regulations

　　Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melons bear the agricultural product geographical indication label “Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon.” They are mostly sold loose, though some are packaged in bags. The melons are durable for storage and transport.

　　Relevant regulations on packaging labels and other specifications

　　Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melons are labeled with the agricultural product geographical indication “Haiyuan Selenium-Sand Melon.” They are mostly sold loose, but also available in bags, and are durable for storage and transport.