Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are highly valued for their sweet taste, vibrant color, and significant nutritional benefits. These perennials from the Rosaceae family are extensively cultivated worldwide. The plant is characterized by its short stems, trifoliate leaves, and runners, which are horizontal stems that propagate new plants. Successful strawberry cultivation requires meticulous attention to environmental factors and substrate selection to optimize plant health, fruit yield, and quality.
Strawberry Cultivation Solution:
Pelemix has consolidated its position as a world reference in substrates for berries. For more than 25 years and coinciding with the awakening of the berry market, we launched an ambitious R&D program to provide solutions to these crops that have very specific requirements.
- Different cultivation concepts (Open Fields to High tech Greenhouses)
- Grow bags / growing containers on drainage gutters – standing or hanging; Floor cultivation in troughs or GB’s/ containers
- High Tunnels –Undercover; Different Greenhouses (Mid. Tech and High tech levels) – effects the material type /and cover color (black – white).
- Product must be Low EC since the plants are sensitive for salinity. Preferred category is Extra washed /Treated with EC below 0.6-1 dS/m max. Alternatively NW (Natural rain Washed with EC <2.5 dS/m with extra washing or buffering protocol at customer site).
- recommended material: 16mm EW/Treated; 16mm + Extra Fibers EW /PLF 3070 EW /Treated
- The coir volume and the number of planting holes vary depending on the cultivar’s genetics.
Strawberry Grow Bags size and volumes (most commons):
We offer different bags for different sizes and volumes:
- GB1001808 – 14.4 liters volume suits for 8–11 plants per bag
- GB1001810 – 18 Liters volume suits for 10–13 plants per bag
- GB10015110 – 15 liters volume suits for 8–12 plants per bag
- GB1001212 – 14.4 liters volume suits for 8–12 plants per bag
Usually Strawberries are 11-16 Liter bags are used to plant 11–13 plants
Figure: Grow Bags for Strawberries
Figure: Grow Bags Specifications for Strawberries
Physical Structure of Coir:
The physical structure of the coir substrate plays a pivotal role in the successful cultivation of strawberries. Different climates and cultivation methods necessitate the use of specific coir compositions to ensure optimal plant growth and productivity.
1. Particle Size Distribution:
- PLF Coir: This type of coir has a mix of fine and coarse particles. This structure is designed to retain adequate moisture while providing sufficient aeration to the root system. The fine particles help in maintaining moisture, whereas the coarse particles ensure good drainage and air flow.
- 16mm Coir: Characterized by larger particles, 16mm coir offers superior drainage and root aeration. This type of coir is ideal for environments where waterlogging is a concern, as it prevents water stagnation around the root zone
2. Water Retention Curve
Understanding the water tension curve is critical for managing the water retention and release properties of the substrate. Both PLF and 16mm coir exhibit optimal water retention at lower tensions, making water readily available to plants without causing waterlogging. This balance is crucial for maintaining consistent moisture levels around the roots.
3. Laboratory Data
Laboratory tests provide insights into the physical properties of different coir types. For instance:
- PLF Coir: Exhibits a dry bulk density of 1610 g MS/l and a total pore volume of 96.6%, indicating a high capacity for water and air retention.
- 16mm Coir: Shows superior air volume, essential for root respiration and preventing diseases caused by anaerobic conditions.
Challenges with Alternative Substrates:
Although we are specialized in Coir as main and advanced substrate, Pelemix produces different type of Coir & Peat blended substrates for professional users.
Pelemix España at Alhama De Murcia – Is a state of the art, state-of-the-art facility for mixing different kind of substrates based on Coir and Peat.
Below are some mixtures suitable for strawberry crops, however it becomes less and less common to use mixtures due the advantage of coir and its costs.
Please see below short comparing regarding different growing based substrate:
pH and EC Management:
Maintaining stable pH levels in the growing medium is critical for nutrient uptake and overall plant health. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the substrate should also be monitored and managed to avoid high salinity levels that can impede plant growth Coir substrates, particularly those that are extra washed (EW) or buffered, offer relatively low EC levels, preventing issues related to salinity.
Material Chemical grades:
- Un/rain washed coco for self CaNo3 treatment: for growers that can make this treatment at their site based on a protocol provide by us. Please note that the irrigation water for self-treatment should be above 10-12 degree Celsius
- Pre mechanically washed coco: EC below 0.8 -1; for self CaNO3 treatment for growers applying it based on our protocol .
- Treated – Buffered coco : EC < 0.8-0.6 ready to use for immediate planting .
We recommend to start with 2nd or 3rd option at the first year. Those are more costly options but will give the grower the right start without any complications.
Pelemix will provide all needed protocols for Pre planting treatments and fertigation before material arrival.
Additional Considerations for Optimal Strawberry Cultivation
Bags and Planting Configurations:
- Bag Colors: Different colored bags, such as black or white, can impact heat absorption and light reflection. White bags reflect more light, potentially keeping the roots cooler, while black bags absorb more heat, which can be beneficial in cooler climates.
- Planting Holes: The configuration of planting holes in the bags or slabs is designed to optimize plant spacing and growth. Proper spacing ensures that each plant receives adequate light, air, and nutrients.
- Dripper Holes: Pre-drilled holes for drippers facilitate efficient and uniform irrigation, ensuring that all plants receive the necessary water and nutrients.
Climate (Greenhouse):
Strawberries in general need stable & balanced “growing atmosphere and climate”.
- Plants are sensitive day/ night differences of more than 10-12 degrees Celsius.
- Plants are sensitive to temperature below zero degrees Celsius.
At any case – the most important factor is VENTILATION and light in order to avoid desists of leafs and fruits.
Plants:
No. of plants per hectare depends on varieties & planting season.
- One should calculate between 68000–100000 plants per hectare depending on variety and planting season.
- Varieties should be suitable for the planting season expected.
- Need to match Grow bags volume [liters per plant] & precut planting holes
Drainage Systems:
Proper drainage is vital to prevent waterlogging and root diseases. A well-designed drainage system allows excess water to be collected and potentially recycled, enhancing water use efficiency and sustainability. Recycling drainage water requires careful monitoring to ensure that nutrient levels remain balanced and pathogens are not introduced.
Drainage collecting Gutters:
There are different types of Gutters suits for strawberry growing.
All offered metal gutters currently in the market (e.g..Meteor, Form Flex, T.R.E and others) have good drainage solutions matching the grow bags drainage holes configuration provided by Pelemix.
When using hanging gutters growers need to make sure the greenhouse construction loads enforcement can carry the weight of gutters, grow bags and plants.
Irrigation
We highly recommend to use 4 or 5 arrow drippers per 1 meter bag .
When integral pipe dripper are used, 20 cm space between drippers is required with recommended drip capacity of 1.0 – 1.2 L/H
Maintaining these standards is crucial, as insufficient water coverage can lead to imbalanced and delayed fruit development, with potential deformities in some cases. Additionally, high EC and salinity levels may accumulate at the edges, causing senescence issues.
Figures: Pelemix Grow Bags for Strawberry crop
Conclusion
By understanding and utilizing the optimal conditions for growing strawberries in coir, professional growers can achieve higher yields, better fruit quality, and more sustainable cultivation practices. Pelemix’s tailored coir solutions provide the versatility and performance required to meet the diverse needs of strawberry cultivation across different climates and growing systems. Our expertise and innovative products ensure that growers can maintain healthy plants and achieve successful harvests season after season.
