The Influence of an Innovative Bioproduct on Soil and Substrate Characteristics during Strawberry Cultivation

Abstract

Farming systems should be sustainable in order to protect the soil from diseases and pests while preserving the environment and generating economic and social benefits. The use of biological products can help reduce the negative characteristics that damage the soil and increase the likelihood of healthy plant growth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biotreatment on the physical properties of different soils and substrates as well as strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) yield. In the laboratory trials, “Asia” strawberries were grown one by one in special containers on different soils and substrates: loam (L), clay (C), sandy loam (SL), compost soil (CS), and coconut fiber (CF). The soils and substrates were treated once a week with a biological product based on molasses and magnesium sulfate and fertilized with a complex fertilizer: NPK11-11-21 + K2O + Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn, enriched with potassium. Soil and substrate temperature, moisture, density, total porosity, aeration porosity, electrical conductivity as well as strawberry yield were measured in the test containers containing the plants. Studies have shown that the use of bioproducts does not significantly improve the physical properties of soils and substrates. However, the trend of the results shows that using the bioproduct for a longer period of time would have a greater effect on the physical properties of the soils and substrates, especially for peat-based substrates prepared for greenhouse use. Berry yields increased significantly (46.6% and 100%) with biotreatment in the CS and CF variants.