Summary
This factorial field experiment evaluated the independent and combined effects of three substrate mixtures and three nutrient solution types on strawberry (cv. Festival) production and quality under protected cultivation in Egypt. Results indicate that perlite:peat-moss substrate combined with mineral fertilisation achieved the best overall vegetative growth, yield and nutritional quality, whilst organic amendments (animal compost-tea) enhanced fruit firmness and acidity but increased heavy metal accumulation in fruit tissue.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Egypt under protected plastic-house conditions and may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom outdoor or polytunnel strawberry production, where climate, photoperiod and substrate availability differ substantially. However, the methodological approach to comparing substrate mixtures and nutrient sources could inform UK research on soilless or protected strawberry systems, particularly regarding the trade-offs between organic amendments (improved firmness and acidity) and heavy metal risk.
Key measures
Vegetative growth parameters, yield and yield components, total soluble solids (TSS), fruit firmness, titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C content, heavy metal concentrations (Ni, Pb), chemical characteristics
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated how three substrate mixtures (perlite:peat-moss, perlite:plant compost, perlite:vermicompost) combined with three nutrient solutions (vermicompost-tea, animal compost-tea, mineral fertiliser) affected vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, mineral content and heavy metal accumulation in strawberry. Perlite:peat-moss with mineral fertiliser produced the highest growth and yield, whilst perlite:vermicompost with animal compost-tea showed superior firmness and acidity but elevated heavy metals.
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