Effects of CO2 Enrichment on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Strawberry Grown with Rockwool.

Summary

This glasshouse experiment examined how CO2 enrichment influences strawberry (cv. Ai-Berry) production in soilless rockwool cultivation, comparing two substrate types (slub and granule). CO2 enrichment accelerated phenological development and substantially increased total yield (50% in slub, 30% in granule media), whilst improving fruit quality parameters including soluble solids and acidity. The findings suggest CO2 supplementation may be necessary in soilless glasshouse systems where soil-derived CO2 supply is absent, particularly during periods of low outside CO2 availability.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted in Japan and addresses glasshouse strawberry production in controlled environments with soilless media, a system relevant to intensive horticultural production in the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. The technical findings on CO2 enrichment efficacy in rockwool systems are transferable to UK glasshouse operations, though UK conditions (latitude, seasonal light availability, typical glasshouse designs) may influence the magnitude of yield responses and the necessity and cost-effectiveness of CO2 supplementation strategies.

Key measures

Total yield (%), flowering date, maturation and harvesting days, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, leaf area, water absorption rate, nutrient solution electrical conductivity, CO2 concentration

Outcomes reported

The study measured effects of CO2 enrichment on strawberry growth parameters (flowering date, maturation, harvest timing), total yield, and fruit quality metrics (soluble solid content, titratable acidity) in two rockwool media types. Leaf area, water absorption rate, and nutrient solution electrical conductivity were also assessed.

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