NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS IN ORGANIC PRODUCTION

Abstract

In a three-year study, the nutritional status of seven cultivars of strawberries was investigated. Being part of an organic research program, no fertilizers were added during the trial. Analyses of leaf dry matter content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) revealed annual as well as seasonal variation for most nutrients. It is suggested that the variations in elemental leaf dry matter content may be caused by climatic variation among years. Especially regarding seasonal variation, it may reflect variations in the demand of the strawberry plant throughout the growing season, as well as climatic differences. Significant differences in the leaf dry matter content of nutrients between cultivars at a given time were also demonstrated and it is concluded that nutrient level is a cultivar-specific property, which must be taken into account in evaluating the nutrient demands of strawberries.

Keywords:

• Strawberry
• Fragaria × ananassa
• Organic production
• Nutrients
• Leaf dry matter
• N_min
• Seasonal variation
• Cultivar differences

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The technical assistance of J. Eriksen, S. Vestergaard, J. Larsen and K. Nielsen is greatly appreciated.