Strawberries, like other cultivated plants, require particular care, including timely and balanced mineral nutrition. When planning fertilization program of strawberries, we should take into account biological characteristics of this crop, type of soil on which they are grown, and their need for macro and micronutrients which are responsible for the taste of berries and their appearance. These elements include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, boron, molybdenum and zinc.
Phosphorus is responsible for health and energy balance of the plant. Phosphorus in the form of phosphite has a clear fungiostatic effect against fungi that cause diseases of plants and berries.
Potassium is involved in the synthesis and accumulation of sugars in the commodity part of the crop. Due to the fact that strawberries are grown mainly on light soils with deficiency of potassium, fertilization with this nutrient always gives a positive result.
Calcium is responsible for many physiological processes in plants. When applied on strawberries, it strengthens the cell walls of the berries, thus improving their storage and transportation. Like potassium, calcium is deficient in light soils, and therefore fertilization with this element gives good results.
Boron is responsible for the health of the leading beams in both the root system and the aboveground part of the plant. It is extremely important for the synthesis and accumulation of sugars in the plant and in the berries.
Molybdenum, like boron, is involved in the synthesis and accumulation of sugars, as well as in the assimilation of nitrogen, preventing its accumulation in the form of nitrates and nitrites.
Zinc, being responsible for the synthesis of auxins - growth phytohormones, stimulates plant growth, which is especially important in years with frequent temperature fluctuations. Zinc in the form of chelate exhibits fungicide properties and improves the color of berries.
Based on the weather conditions of this season, we recommend to make the following foliar fertilization of strawberries:
- At the beginning of flowering: tank mix of ECOLINE Phosphite (K) 1.5 l / ha + ECOLINE Boron (Opti) 1.5 l / ha.
- At the beginning of berry formation: ECOLINE Calcium-Boron (Chelates) 2.0 l / ha + ECOLINE Phosphite (K-Zn) 1.0 l / ha, after 10 - 14 days – once more ECOLINE Calcium-Boron (Chelates) 2.0 l / ha.
