A fertilization recommendation for strawberries in various parts of the world

Fertilization recommendations for growing strawberries, depending on various factors and fertilization method

Soilless

Growing medium: Rockwool.
Plant population: 35,000 plants/ha.
Expected yield: 40-50 T/Ha.

A. Recommended mean rates of nutrients

B. Nutrient solution parameters

C. Nutrient solution for strawberries

The calculation of nutrient solution composition is based on the following water parameters:

 Ca - 80 mg/l
 Mg - 12 mg/l
 HCO₃ - 80 mg/l
 EC - 0.5 ms/cm

Notes:

1. The tank volumes are 1000 liter.
2. The stock solutions are injected to the pipeline at a rate of 5 l/m3.
3. 20 ml/m3 of nitric acid are applied to the irrigation solution in each of the growth periods as an additional nitrate-nitrogen source.
4. If the pH of the nutrient solution is higher than recommended (Table B- above) the pH can be corrected by phosphoric acid. In this case the amount of the phosphatic fertilizers should be reduced accordingly.
* The supply of calcium is stopped at this stage assuming sufficiently high level of 
calcium in the water (see above).

Nutrition database for strawberry

Important note: The a/m database was prepared to fit Dutch conditions (low transpiration and low EC of the water). Considerable and proportional reduction in the concentration of the macronutrients should be required to offset for lower quality water prevailing in other conditions.

sources:

• N. Straver. Nutrient solutions for vegetables and flowers grown in water or substrates. 10th Ed. 1994.
• C. de Kreij, Sonneveld C., Warmenhoven M.G. and Straver N.A. Guide values for nutrient element contents of vegetables and flowers under glass. 3rd Ed. 1992.

Fertilization of strawberry in the UK

Open Ground Pre Plant fertilisers

The texture and nutritional status of the soil influence strawberry nutritional requirements. Lighter soils tend to leach Nitrogen and Potassium more easily than medium and heavier soils, likewise for tabletop and gutter production, substrates can be either Vapoboards, Grodan and Growbags (Peat, Peat/ Polymer and Peat /Clay). The nutritional application programme must be tailored accordingly to the type of substrate.

All figures in kg/ha of P₂O₅, K₂O and MgO.

Notes:

1. Pre plant fertilisers may be applied either as inorganic straights or as an organic based/inorganic compound.
2. If more than 50Kg of Potash is required on plants grown through polythene covered raised beds, apply a fertilizer based on Sulphate of Potash.

Suggested Pre-Plant fertilizer rates for soil grown fertilizers *

Source: Dennis Wilson - Strawberry Handbook 1997.

Fertigation

Many different liquid and water soluble fertilizers are marketed for soft fruit production, the major products are listed below. Products range from cheaper formulations with poor quality agricultural grade materials. Whilst cheaper, these products contain high levels of insoluble which can cause blockages to irrigation lines and T-Tape. Cheaper products with a high Chloride content may also cause root scorch and cause increased problems with soft watery fruits.
 
At the top end of the market a higher quality raw material is used, this results in higher purchase prices but guarantees improved solubility, reduced Chlorine contents and better water quality.

Suggested fertigation rates for soil grown strawberries

Source: Dennis Wilson - Strawberry Handbook 1997.

 Notes:

1. These rates are for medium /light soils with appropriate pre fertilizer applied following a soil analysis.
2. Everberares – Use a low N rate for Tango/Bolero and other varieties where tissue N levels are adequate. Use higher rates on Evita/Selva where N tissue levels are low.
3. In Scotland were the growing season is shorter and soil fertility is higher N application rates can be reduced by 20-25%.

Fertigation recommendations for soil grown strawberries (kg/ha)

 Notes:

1. These application rates and timings are for crops grown at standard densities on medium textured soils. Rates may need to be adjusted for very light or fertile soils, or where a very high cropping density is employed.
2. For Everest and Selva, extra Nitrogen is added to the feed during Fruiting-  but it is important not to overfeed during early crop growth in May.

Recommendation for field-grown strawberries in Israel, when demand is maximal

Nitrogen
N should be supplied at 1.5 – 2.5 kg N / ha /day.
Soil solution should contain 20-30 ppm of nitrate-N at all times.
 
Phosphorus
P should be kept at 20-30 ppm (Olsen)
 
Potassium
K should be kept at 1-2 mEq/liter.

Fertilization of field-grown strawberries in Thailand

Soil: medium - heavy.
Plant density: 35,000 plants/ha.
Expected yield: 37-50 T/Ha.

A. Total nutrients requirements

B. Fertigation recommendations

C. Foliar feeding recommendations

Base dressing recommendations (kg/hectare)

For extensive growth conditions

Need more information about growing strawberries? You can always return to the strawberry fertilizer program & strawberry crop guide table of contents