Optimizing Nitrogen Forms to Improve Nutrient-Use Efficiency, Leaf Ionome, and Early Fruit Development in Hydroponic Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Dutch var. ‘Praratchatan 80’)

Summary

This 2026 study investigates optimisation of nitrogen nutrition in hydroponic strawberry production by examining different nitrogen forms and their effects on plant nutrient uptake efficiency and fruit development. The research specifically characterised changes in the leaf ionome—the plant's elemental composition profile—alongside yield and early fruiting performance. Such work may inform management strategies to enhance resource efficiency and crop quality in controlled-environment horticulture, particularly in tropical or subtropical hydroponic systems.

Regional applicability

Findings are most directly applicable to tropical and subtropical hydroponic production systems; UK strawberry growers predominantly use field or polytunnel systems rather than hydroponics. However, nitrogen form optimisation principles identified may be relevant to UK protected horticulture operations, and the ionome characterisation approach could inform UK glasshouse production research.

Key measures

Nitrogen-use efficiency, leaf ionome (elemental composition), fruit yield or development metrics, likely including nitrate and ammonium uptake rates

Outcomes reported

The study examined how different nitrogen forms affect nutrient-use efficiency, leaf elemental composition (ionome), and early fruit development in hydroponically grown strawberry cv. 'Praratchatan 80'. It likely measured nitrogen uptake efficiency, leaf nutrient concentrations, and yield or fruit quality parameters.

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