Effect of fertigation under different water depths (kc) and plastic mulch, on the yield and quality of strawberry (fragaria x ananassa duch) var. Albion

Summary

This research was conducted at the Botana Experimental Farm of the University of Nariño to evaluate an automated fertigation system using soil moisture sensors. The study tested three water depths based on crop coefficients (Kc: 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9) combined with three types of plastic mulch: black (BN), silver (SN), and transparent (TN). A randomized complete block design with a split-strip arrangement was used to analyze crop yield ( ) and fruit quality (Total Soluble Solids - TSS) at maturity stages 3 and 5. The results for the Albion strawberry variety (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) showed a significant influence from both the water depths and the plastic mulches. The highest yield was achieved with the interaction of black mulch and a Kc of 0.7, reaching 92.02, followed by Kc 0.9 (79.06) an