Effect of Nutrient Solution Strength on Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Strawberry 'Mehyang' in Hydroponics

Summary

This field trial investigated the effect of nutrient solution strength on hydroponic strawberry 'Maehyang' production by applying four EC levels to cocopeat-grown plants. Shoot growth showed minimal response to EC variation, whilst fruit quality metrics (length, weight, soluble solids) exhibited differential responses across fruiting clusters, with moderate EC levels (0.8–1.2 dS·m⁻¹) generally producing larger, heavier fruit. The authors recommend EC management at 0.8–1.2 dS·m⁻¹ during low-temperature periods for optimised commercial hydroponic strawberry cultivation.

Regional applicability

This South Korean work is directly applicable to United Kingdom glasshouse and protected horticulture systems for strawberry production, particularly during winter and early-spring growing seasons when UK ambient temperatures are low. The cultivar 'Maehyang' is commercially grown in the UK and EU, and the findings on nutrient EC optimisation would inform fertigation management in UK hydroponic soft-fruit operations.

Key measures

Electrical conductivity (EC) levels (0.6, 0.8, 1.2, 1.8 dS·m⁻¹); shoot growth; fruit length; fruit diameter; fruit weight; soluble solids content (measured across four fruiting clusters)

Outcomes reported

The study measured shoot growth, fruit dimensions (length and diameter), fruit weight, and soluble solids content across four fruiting clusters in hydroponic strawberry 'Maehyang' grown at four electrical conductivity (EC) levels. Optimal nutrient solution strength for low-temperature production was identified based on yield and quality parameters.

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