Detailed Explanation of Key Technical Points for Post-Harvest Management of Strawberries

Intertillage and soil loosening.

After harvest is completed, the soil becomes compacted and overgrown with weeds due to repeated trampling, seriously affecting strawberry growth. Therefore, timely intertillage and weeding should be carried out. The intertillage depth should be 3-4 cm, not too deep, to prevent damage to the root system. Intertillage loosens the soil, removes weeds and diseased or withered leaves, improves ventilation and light penetration conditions, promotes healthy plant growth, and with high-efficiency strawberry cultivation supporting techniques, prevents disease occurrence. Before the large emergence of new roots in autumn, soil should be hilled up around the root zone with fine soil up to the point where the crown is exposed, to promote new root development and improve cold and drought resistance.

Rational fertilization.

Apply fertilizer promptly after harvest to replenish the nutrient depletion caused by fruiting and to revitalize the root system. Strawberries have relatively high fertilizer requirements; rational fertilization can make plants grow vigorously, with plump flower buds, large fruits, high sugar content, and fragrant aroma with bright color. When base fertilizer is sufficient, topdressing should be controlled in nitrogen application rate according to plant growth conditions, so as to avoid excessive vegetative growth that affects overwintering. After strawberry harvest, compound fertilizer can be applied together with irrigation at 22.5 kg per mu, which can promote nutrient accumulation and flower bud differentiation in plants. Winter fertilizer can be applied once before freezing by opening furrows and applying decomposed human manure and urine, to improve the plant's overwintering ability. After strawberry harvest, the frequency of irrigation and the amount of water applied should be reduced, to prevent excessive nutrient consumption due to vigorous growth of runners.