Potassium Sulfate Supplementation with Elevated Electrical Conductivity Was Unproductive for Hydroponic Strawberry at the Original Yamazaki Nutrient Solution Nitrogen Level

Summary

The production of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) in hydroponic systems has been increasing. In hydroponic systems, precise nutrient management is crucial for optimal plant growth and fruit production. Among essential elements, potassium (K) is a key nutrient that affects fruit yield and quality in fruiting crops. The objective of this study was to investigate whether increasing the K concentration in the Yamazaki strawberry nutrient solution could enhance plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality in hydroponic strawberries. Bare-root plants of strawberry ‘Monterey’ and ‘San Andreas’ were planted in a deep water culture hydroponic system and grown with initial K concentrations of 117, 194, 271, and 348 mg·L −1 under the same initial nitrogen concentration of 77 mg·L −1. As the K conc