Abstract
The results of an empirical study of the working time consumed in strawberry production on Finnish farms are reviewed. Forty growers participated in the study, which took place between 1977—80. The purpose of the study was to determine how much time was consumed in working the fallow ground and during the summer of planting, in the first fruiting year and in the next four or five growth periods. Two cultivation methods were treated separately. The whole strawberry cultivation area was 95,1 ha. In the method in which the earth surrounding the bushes was covered with a black plastic film, the total consumption of working time was 409,0 h/ha using a one-row system and 572,5 h/ha using a double-row system during the fallow period and the summer of planting. During the first fruiting year the figure was 492,5 h/ha and in the next fruiting years 1 348,5 h/ha, including the time spent on harvesting. Where mulch was applied, the corresponding averages were 235,5 h/ha, 612,5 h/ha 1 182,0 h/ha. Factors affecting the variation in the total working time between farms were studied by linear regression analysis. Factors such as e.g. total strawberry cultivation area, the number of plants per hectare and the number of the years the grower had been cultivating strawberries, did not explain the variation in the working time satisfactorily. The yield per hectare, percentage of the different varieties cultivated, planting system, cultivation and picking methods explained only 33 % of the variation in labour output of picking.
Highlights
The purpose of the study made in 1977—80 was to examine the working time consumed in strawberry production
Strawberries covered about 20 % of the total field area of the farms. 103 calculations were made of the working time consumed on the farms. 53,5 % of the farms used a black plastic film to cover the ridges, while the remaining 46,5 % applied mulch
Studies concerning the consumption of labour in strawberry cultivation have been made in several countries
Summary
The purpose of the study made in 1977—80 was to examine the working time consumed in strawberry production. The labour consumption was studied in both these methods and in cultivations of different ages. Besides establishing standards for the different tasks involved, an attempt was made to study factors affecting the variation in working time from farm to farm. The results are presented so that they can be used e.g. in education and in an advisory capacity where economic data is needed for farm planning. They could serve as a kind of guideline for strawberry growers in planning labour organisation on their farms. The results are useful to the authorities in evaluating e.g. damage to strawberry cultivation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
