Response of Strawberries to Soil and Foliar Fertilizer Rates

Abstract

A3 × 3 factorial study of soil and foliar-applied N, P, and K fertilizer was conducted on ‘Dover’ and ‘Tufts’ strawberries ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) using the annual hill cultural system. Rates of soil-applied fertilizer were: a) 0, b) 112N-12P-93K, and c) 224N-24P-186K (kg·ha −1 ). Rates of weekly foliar fertilizer applications were a) 0, b) 1.20N–0.54P–1.02K, and c) 2.40N–1.08P-2.04K (kg·ha −1 ). Increasing rates of soil-applied fertilizer increased fruit yields, fruit number, foliar N and K, plant size, and foliage color. Rates of foliar N, P, and K had much less effect than soil-applied fertilizer. The greatest plant response to foliar fertilization was with inadequate rates of soil fertilizer. Foliage damage was evident with foliar fertilization, and damage was greatest with the highest foliar rate.