Broiler Litter and Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizer Influence on Yield and Earliness of June-bearing Strawberry

Abstract

Short-term soil application of broiler litter (B) has had variable results when compared to inorganic nitrogen fertilizers (Ni). We grew `Oso Grande' strawberry on raised beds in the greenhouse and treated it with a preplant soil incorporation of B (N = 44, P = 15.3, H2O = 170 g·kg–1) at a N rate of 100 (B1) or 200 (B2) kg·ha–1, and Ni from ammonium nitrate (34.5N–0P–0K) [A] or fluid nitrogen with 10 g·kg-1 micro elements (30N–0P–0K) [F] applied in six equal monthly applications. Results show that fruit yield was increased under B-treated plots (P < 0.05), with B2 yielding the highest. Yield ranged between 172 to 324 g/plant. Fruit number per plant ranged from 14 to 24, with B2 yielding the highest (P < 0.05). Early flowering was enhanced by B2 (P < 0.05), which reflected in higher early yields under B2 (P < 0.05). Leaf tissue NO3-N, PO4-P and Fe were comparable among all treatments during the growing season. Soil NO3-N, available P, CaCO3, and pH at the end of the season were comparable among the treatments (P 0.05), whereas EC was reduced by B1 and F treatments (P < 0.05). We recommend B at 200 kg N/ha as a fertilizer for June-hearing strawberry, and as a good alternative to inorganic N fertilizers.