Summary
This greenhouse trial compared traditional single-level strawberry cultivation with vertically stacked two-level and three-level cropgutter systems to assess the trade-offs between increased spatial density and individual plant performance. Whilst individual plant yield declined on lower levels of the three-level system due to light reduction, total yield per square metre increased substantially (82% for 'Gariguette', 86% for 'Ciflorette' in the three-level system), with acceptable changes in fruit quality metrics. The findings suggest vertical intensification can improve land-use efficiency in protected horticulture, though light management remains critical for lower canopy layers.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in France but the protected cropping methodology and cultivars tested are broadly applicable to United Kingdom greenhouse horticulture. UK growers operating high-value protected strawberry systems would find the technical approach and yield-versus-quality trade-offs relevant, though light availability and heating costs differ between French and UK growing conditions. The soilless system design is transferable to UK protected cropping infrastructure.
Key measures
Yield per plant (kg), yield per square metre (kg), total soluble solids (% Brix), titratable acidity, PAR light intensity at different levels, plant density (plants m⁻²)
Outcomes reported
The study measured yield per plant, yield per square metre, total soluble solids (Brix), and titratable acidity in strawberries grown in single-level versus two-level and three-level vertical cropping systems. PAR light availability at different canopy heights and its effect on fruit quality were also assessed.
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