Summary
This field trial investigated how varying potassium-to-calcium (K:Ca) ratios in nutrient solution influence fruit quality in strawberry 'Selva' grown in soilless culture with coconut fibre and perlite medium. A K:Ca ratio of 1.4 optimised most quality parameters including soluble solids, acidity balance, vitamin C, ellagic acid, and colour development, whereas lower ratios (0.85) enhanced fruit firmness. The authors conclude that K:Ca ratios between 1 and 1.6 are suitable for this cultivar, with 1.4 being optimal for overall marketable quality.
Regional applicability
This research on soilless strawberry production is directly relevant to United Kingdom protected horticulture, where substrate-based systems predominate. The findings could inform nutrient formulation practices for UK strawberry growers using similar coconut fibre and perlite media, though cultivar performance and local growing conditions may necessitate on-farm validation.
Key measures
Leaf number, leaf area, fruit pH, electrical conductivity, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, vitamin C content, ellagic acid concentration, protein content, fruit firmness, and fruit colour
Outcomes reported
The study measured fruit quality attributes including colour, pH, electrical conductivity, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C content, ellagic acid, protein content, and fruit firmness across six different K:Ca ratios in a soilless strawberry production system.
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