Effects of different growing environments on strawberry growth and yield

Different growing environments can enhance the prospects of robust plant growth. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of bioproducts on the productivity indicators and chlorophyll index of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) across various growing media. In greenhouse trials, "Asia" strawberries were individually cultivated in specialized containers using different growing media: loam, clay, sandy loam, compost, and coconut fiber. The growing media received weekly treatments with a biological product comprising molasses and magnesium sulfate, alongside fertilization using a compound fertilizer: NPK11-11-21 + K2O (21.2%) + Mg (2.6%), S (25%), B (0.05%), Cu (0.03%), Fe (0.08%), Mn (0.25%), Mo (0.002%), and Zn (0.04%). Strawberry height, width, and leaf chlorophyll index were measured. The experimental findings highlighted that coconut fiber was the most favorable growing medium, producing the most consistent improvements in strawberry growth parameters when treated with the bioproduct. Although changes in plant height, width, and chlorophyll index were not statistically significant, they demonstrated a clear positive trend, suggesting enhanced physiological response in this substrate. Specifically, bioproduct application in coconut fiber increased plant height by 9%, width by 10.26%, and chlorophyll index by 13.04%. In terms of yield, statistically significant increases were observed with the bioproduct treatment in both compost and coconut fiber. In compost, the yield increased from 25.54 g to 27.98 g per plant, and in coconut fiber - from just 1.03 g to 15 g per plant, indicating a strong response to biological input. These results suggest that targeted use of bioproducts, particularly in organic substrates such as compost or coconut fiber, may enhance plant development and productivity, supporting more sustainable and efficient growing systems.