Summary
This field trial examined the potential reuse of phytoremediated marine sediment as a growing medium component for strawberry production over three consecutive seasons. Initial productivity was lower on sediment-based media due to reduced fertility, but soil structure and nitrogen mineralisation improved with successive cultivation cycles, resulting in comparable or superior fruit yields by year three without accumulation of potentially toxic trace metals. The authors conclude that remediated sediment poses no food safety risk and could replace peat in horticulture, reducing environmental impact whilst meeting EU fertiliser regulatory requirements.
Regional applicability
Whilst conducted in Italy, these findings are relevant to UK horticulture given similar temperate climate and established peat-replacement initiatives in commercial growing. The practical demonstration of sediment reuse and phytoremediation outcomes may inform UK policy on circular economy in horticultural production and brownfield remediation strategies, though UK-specific trials would be needed to confirm transferability to local sediment compositions and growing conditions.
Key measures
Strawberry fruit yield, plant biomass, soil chemical fertility (N mineralisation), trace metal concentrations in fruit and growing media, risk assessment quotient for human consumption
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated strawberry yield, plant biomass, soil chemical fertility, and trace metal accumulation in fruit across three cultivation seasons on remediated sediment-based growing media compared to commercial peat. Risk assessment for human health was conducted based on trace metal concentrations in harvested strawberries.
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