Yield and Inorganic Ion Contents in Drained Solution by Different Substrate for Hydroponically Grown Strawberry

Summary

This field trial evaluated four substrates for hydroponic strawberry production, comparing coir-based media (coir dust:chip at 50:50 and 100:0 ratios), peat-perlite (50:50), and rockwool. Coir substrates showed higher initial inorganic ion content than rockwool, with K and Na highly soluble but Ca and Mg present in forms less readily available to plants. During cultivation, K and Na leached continuously from coir media while Ca and Mg accumulated, resulting in lower leaf K content in coir-grown plants. Despite no significant difference in sugar content, coir substrates (particularly 100:0) produced higher marketable fruit yields and superior root development than peat-perlite and rockwool, suggesting coir is better suited for hydroponic strawberry but requires nutrient solution composition adjustments for stable reuse.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in South Korea and addresses substrate selection for controlled hydroponic strawberry systems. The findings on coir substrate performance may be relevant to United Kingdom glasshouse and protected horticulture operations, though UK producers already use diverse substrate systems; the specific nutrient solution adjustments needed for different substrates would require validation under UK growing conditions and with locally available substrate batches.

Key measures

Inorganic ion concentrations (K, Ca, Mg, Na) measured by CEN (distilled water extraction) and RDA (1N-NH4OAc extraction) methods; marketable fruit weight; sugar content (Brix); leaf and petiole mineral concentrations; root development observations; drainage solution composition

Outcomes reported

The study compared inorganic ion (K, Ca, Mg, Na) content in drainage solutions and strawberry yield across four growing substrates (peat-perlite, rockwool, coir dust-chip blends). Marketable fruit yield, sugar content, root development, and leaf mineral composition were measured to evaluate substrate suitability for hydroponic strawberry cultivation.

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