EFFECT OF THE GROWING MEDIA ON THE STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION IN COLUMN SYSTEM

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of four substrates on the growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × annanasa cv. ‘Chandler’) grown under column system.
The following natural substrates were evaluated: 1) rice husks (100%), 2) pumice (100%) 3) rice husks (75%):sand (25%) and 4) rice husks (50%):pumice (50%). Data were analyzed in a complete random design with 6 replications (columns). A density of 26 plants per column was used.
The highest (496.73 g plant^-1) and lowest (300.95 g plant^-1) yields were obtained with rice husks (100%) and the mix of rice husks (75%):sand (25%) respectively.
The good management of the rice husks has favorable physicochemical properties for the growth and development of the roots; to grow strawberry plants under this system.
Also, pumice could be an appropriate substrate to grow strawberry under this system, but to avoid salinity problems by the frequent watering with the nutrient solution, it is essential to wash the substrate with plain water weekly.

International Symposium on Soilless Culture and Hydroponics

C. Caso, M. Chang, A. Rodríguez-Delfín

Fragaria × annanassa, hydroponics, soilless culture, pumice, rice husks

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.843.50