Leaf Mineral Contents and Growth Characteristics of Strawberry Grown in Aquaponic System with Different Growing Media in a Plant Factory

Summary

This study evaluated strawberry cultivation in a plant factory using an aquaponic system with carp as the aquaculture component and three growing media types. Despite nutrient concentrations in the aquaponic solution being substantially lower than hydroponic standards (particularly for NO₃⁻-N, K, Fe, and B), strawberry leaf mineral contents remained within appropriate ranges. Orchid stone and hydroball media supported superior growth metrics and fruit production compared to polyurethane sponge, suggesting these materials more effectively utilise nutrient-rich solid particles in the aquaponic system.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in South Korea and focuses on controlled plant factory conditions with temperate carp aquaculture. The findings on aquaponic system performance may have limited direct application to United Kingdom field conditions, though the nutrient efficiency and growing media insights could inform UK interest in protected cropping and integrated farming systems. Transferability would depend on adapting to UK climate conditions and water temperatures suitable for carp culture.

Key measures

Leaf mineral content (nitrogen, potassium, iron, boron); leaf area; leaf number; shoot dry and fresh weights; fruit number per plant; fruit dry and fresh weights; aquaponic solution pH, EC, and nutrient concentration (NO₃⁻-N, K, Fe, B); sludge composition (organic matter, N, P, K)

Outcomes reported

The study measured leaf mineral contents, growth characteristics (leaf area, leaf number, shoot dry and fresh weights, fruit production), and nutrient availability in strawberry grown in an aquaponic system using three different growing media (orchid stone, hydroball, polyurethane sponge). Sludge composition from the aquaponic system was also analysed.

Topic tags