Summary
This three-year field study examined how mineral fertilisation via drip irrigation and fertigation influenced biochemical and chemical composition in two strawberry varieties (Honeoye and Troitskaya) grown on sod-podzolic soil. Variety characteristics were found to be the dominant influence on fruit composition, whilst fertiliser dose and application method had lesser effects. Notable positive correlations were observed between fruit sugar and solids content (r=0.74) and between leaf magnesium and fruit calcium content (r=0.82), whilst negative correlations emerged between fruit dry matter and leaf magnesium (r=−0.68), and between fruit calcium and sugar content (r=−0.69).
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Russia on sod-podzolic soils; direct applicability to United Kingdom strawberry production would require consideration of soil type differences (UK soils are typically more varied) and climatic conditions. The finding that variety traits dominate over fertilisation practices may have relevance to UK horticulture, though local validation on UK soil types and cultivars would strengthen transferability.
Key measures
Fruit sugar content, solids content, dry matter, macronutrient concentrations (magnesium, calcium) in leaves and fruits, determined by refractometric, complexometric and titrimetric methods
Outcomes reported
The study measured biochemical and chemical composition of strawberry fruits, including sugars, acids, vitamins, and elemental composition, in relation to fertiliser doses, application methods, and plant variety. Correlations between fruit and leaf nutrient content were established over a three-year observation period.
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