Summary
This two-year field trial evaluated the substitution of peat with peat-reduced and peat-free substrates, with and without 10% v/v biochar addition, in soilless strawberry cultivation. Peat replacement showed promise without adverse effects on plant growth; biochar addition provided protection against root rot in high-disease-pressure conditions (2022) and neutral-to-positive effects on plant biomass and stress physiology, whilst substrate type (not biochar) was the primary driver of rhizosphere microbial community structure.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted in Belgium (likely under controlled soilless conditions). The findings are relevant to United Kingdom horticulture, particularly for commercial strawberry growers seeking to reduce peat use in response to environmental policy and carbon targets. Transferability depends on whether UK growers can source equivalent local peat alternatives and whether disease pressure from Phytophthora cactorum and environmental conditions are comparable.
Key measures
Strawberry yield, aboveground fresh and dry weight, root rot severity, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity, rhizosphere microbiome composition
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated strawberry yield, plant biomass, root rot severity from Phytophthora cactorum, plant stress markers (lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacity), and rhizosphere microbial community composition across peat-reduced, peat-free, and biochar-amended substrates over two growing seasons.
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