How to grow strawberries with soilless cultivation? Latest technology and method tutorial

Strawberry is a fruit deeply loved by consumers. It is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Fragaria in the Rosaceae family. The berry is very rich in nutrients and contains abundant vitamin C. It has the effect of aiding digestion. Regular consumption can also strengthen the gums, freshen the breath, and moisten the throat. At present, it is cultivated in all parts of our country. Let us take a look at soilless strawberry cultivation technology together below!

Cultivation facilities

There are two types of soilless strawberry cultivation troughs: sunken cultivation troughs and raised-bed cultivation troughs. For sunken cultivation troughs, leave a 70 cm wide walkway at the base of the rear wall inside the greenhouse, dig cultivation troughs in a north-south direction, with a trough width of 50 cm, a depth of 25-30 cm, and a trough length determined by the greenhouse span. The walkway between troughs (trough spacing) is 40 cm, and the trough walls are lined with plastic film. Raised-bed cultivation troughs are generally built with bricks. Leave a 70 cm wide walkway at the base of the rear wall inside the greenhouse, build cultivation troughs in a north-south direction, with a trough width of 48 cm, a height of 25-30 cm, and a trough length determined by the greenhouse span. The walkway between troughs (trough spacing) is 50 cm. Lay a whole sheet of plastic film inside the trough without splicing, and pierce holes moderately in the plastic film at the bottom.

Cultivation substrate

For soilless strawberry cultivation substrate, use sheep manure : vermiculite : perlite = 1:1:1 (volume ratio) mixed and disinfected, or sheep manure : mushroom residue = 1:2 (volume ratio) mixed and disinfected. The sheep manure used should be decomposed and sieved. If conditions permit, 1-2% hemp residue can be added to the substrate. When filling the cultivation trough with substrate, the substrate should be slightly higher than the trough surface, with the surface shaped like a turtle shell to prevent water accumulation.

Cultivation varieties

In recent years, the strawberry varieties used for protected forcing cultivation in northern China include excellent Japanese lines such as Benihoppe, Akihime, Sweet Charlie, Gui Nui Gan, Toyonoka, Tochiotome, and Sachinoka. These varieties tolerate low temperatures, have strong growth vigor, shallow dormancy, early maturity, large fruit, high yield, and good market quality. Through several years of screening, experts found that Gui Nui Gan and Toyonoka can show greater productivity in high-altitude cool regions and are the main varieties for overwintering soilless cultivation in facilities.

Planting technology

1. Planting preparation: 2-3 days before strawberry planting, spray the seedling nursery once with insecticide to control pests such as mites and aphids, so as to reduce the insect population density in the greenhouse after transplanting and better control the occurrence of insect pests. After spraying, water thoroughly once, which helps reduce damage to the root system when lifting seedlings. When lifting seedlings, grade them according to seedling size and plant them in separate greenhouses. Before planting, soak the cultivation substrate thoroughly with water to keep the substrate moist at the time of strawberry planting.

2. Planting time: For soilless strawberry cultivation, the planting time is determined according to the degree of flower bud differentiation of the terminal bud. Generally, when 50% of the plants in the nursery have undergone flower bud differentiation, it is the suitable planting period. In production practice, if the compressed stem shows an obvious arched back and ear leaves appear on the petiole at the leaf base, it can be considered that flower bud differentiation has been reached. Planting in mid-September is most suitable, with maturity and market release in January of the following year, which not only realizes off-season sales and enriches the variety of fruits available in the winter-spring fruit market, but also coincides with traditional festivals such as New Year's Day and the Spring Festival, when market demand is strong and product prices are high.

3. Planting density: Plant 2 rows in each cultivation trough, with a row spacing of 30-35 cm and a plant spacing of 8-10 cm, planting 15,000-18,000 plants per mu.

4. Planting method: Choose cloudy days or evening for planting, which helps seedling survival and recovery. When planting, select healthy seedlings with no obvious pests or diseases, 5-6 spread leaves, thick dark green leaves, and well-developed roots. Remove old leaves, diseased leaves, and runners, leaving only 3-4 new leaves per seedling. At the same time, cut off part of the root system to reduce water evaporation and promote new root growth and development.

5. Planting depth: Strawberry planting depth is the key to seedling survival. It should be neither too deep nor too shallow, meeting the basic requirement of “deep planting should not bury the crown, shallow planting should not expose the roots.” If planted too deep, the crown is buried, which easily causes crown rot and seedling death. If planted too shallow, the root crown is exposed outside, which easily causes the seedlings to dry out and die. The suitable planting depth is when the stem part of the crown (the stipule tip part of the outer leaves) is level with or slightly higher than the cultivation surface, and must not be buried in the substrate, ensuring the seedling survival rate.

6. Planting management: After strawberry planting, water promptly to stabilize the roots, which helps seedling recovery. If strong sunlight occurs, cover with silver-gray shade netting for shading.