Growth, yield and antioxidant capacity of strawberry under various K+:Ca++ ratios in hydroponic culture

Summary

This hydroponic trial evaluated how different potassium-to-calcium ratios in the nutrient solution influence growth, yield and antioxidant quality of 'Paros' strawberry cultivar. The highest phenolic compounds, photosynthetic capacity, yield and antioxidant activity were observed at a K+:Ca++ ratio of 1.4 (potassium-dominant solution). The findings suggest that maintaining an appropriate K+:Ca++ ratio is critical for optimising both productivity and nutritional quality in hydroponic strawberry cultivation.

Regional applicability

This work is applicable to United Kingdom protected horticulture and commercial glasshouse strawberry production, where hydroponics is increasingly used. The specific cultivar and climate conditions of the trial (likely temperate to Mediterranean) are broadly comparable to UK production systems, though growers would need to validate the optimal ratio under local conditions and for locally-grown cultivars.

Key measures

K+:Ca++ ratios; leaf area; photosynthetic pigments; stomatal conductance; yield; vitamin C content; total carbohydrates; total phenolic compounds; anthocyanin content; peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity

Outcomes reported

The study measured growth parameters, yield, vitamin C content, total carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, photosynthetic capacity, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities in strawberry fruit under various K+:Ca++ ratios in hydroponic systems. Optimisation of the K+:Ca++ ratio was found to significantly influence both productivity and fruit quality metrics.

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