Summary
This field trial evaluated the efficacy of two biodegradable chelating agents—IDHA and EDDHA mix—as alternatives to the recalcitrant EDTA chelate for micronutrient application in commercial strawberry production on sand substrate in Spain. Foliar analysis was more sensitive than SPAD measurements for detecting treatment differences; IDHA and EDDHA mix produced comparable fruit quality and nutrient status to EDTA, with EDDHA mix superior for zinc nutrition and IDHA superior for iron bioavailability in later growth stages, suggesting these alternatives could reduce environmental persistence concerns associated with EDTA application.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted under Spanish commercial strawberry production conditions (sand culture, fertigation) which differ substantially from United Kingdom strawberry cultivation practices, which predominantly use soil-based or containerised systems with different irrigation and nutrient management protocols. Transferability to UK strawberry production would require validation under local growing conditions, though the chelate chemistry and bioavailability principles may have broader relevance.
Key measures
Leaf foliar nutrient content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu); chlorophyll index (SPAD measurement); Fe/Mn molar ratio; fruit quality parameters
Outcomes reported
The study compared iron, manganese, zinc, and copper uptake and bioavailability in strawberry plants using three chelating agents (EDTA, IDHA, and EDDHA mix) applied via fertigation on sand substrate. Foliar nutrient concentrations, chlorophyll indices (SPAD), and fruit quality parameters were measured over 17 weeks.
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